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NEW MEDIA : Democracy and Elections

BY Dr. Sandeep Kumar Dr Akhilesh Kumar

RUDRA RUDRA PUBLISHERS & DISTRIBUTORS NEW -110094 () New Media : Democracy and Elections

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© Author First Published 2019 ISBN: - 978-93-88361-10-1

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!$VJR:' .`Q%$.'-11V`7'!'2 %R7'Q`'567;9' : H1:C'-1VV 9

*Dr. Amit Sharma **Ms. Aayushi Goyal

Abstract !"#$%&#&'%(!$)')&%$"#$'*$'++&,)+$+-$'*'./0&$+!&$123R#$ official .It covers the objective and agenda of tweets in political communication.Tweets can be used to persuade or inform the public.Content analysis method has been applied for data collection.The resultindicates that Twitter is used to persuade followersand inform them about the )-."+"('.$&5&*+$'*6$!'))"*78$123R#$-99"("'.$ :"++&%$"#$7"5"*7$ more importance to the political issue. The objectives of the tweets have been changed on the basis of the main actors. Tweets in which opposition leader is the main actor have a clear objective of backbiting. On the other hand, tweet in which Prime Minister is presented as the main actor has the objective of image building/shaping political opinion. Key words: Twitter, Political Communication, Political issue, Objective and Agenda in Tweets

* Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, JECRC University, Jaipur. ** Student, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, JECRC University, Jaipur. New Media : Democracy and Elections 61 >?-@:AC->:?7' 8'-11V`6':']Q1V``%C'CQII%J1H:QJ' QQC Twitter is a news or social networking platform.It is used to share a fact, information, idea or thought that is known as a tweet. Earlier, the tweet was restricted 140 character, which is now 280in most language including Indian too. Only registered users are able to tweet and can see. Registration is possible through the website or mobile app. Twitter was founded in 2006. Mr Jack Dorsey, Note Glass, Evan Williams, and Big Stone were the key player for the launching of twitter. Oxford Dictionary defines tweet as Q'$)-#+$-*$+!&$#-("'.$,&6"'$'))."('+"-*<#"+&$ :"++&%R8$=%>'*$ Dictionary explains tweet as a post on Twitter. Wiktionary, orgposited the tweet as an entry posted on the microblogging service i.e. Twitter. Twitter is a powerful communication tool. Its power enhances through instance messaging service. Anyone canimagine the popularity twitter with the facts below. In 2012, 100 million users are using Twitter globally. They twitted average 340 million tweets per day. In 2013, Twitter awarded as a most visited website. Now, Twitter becomes a major tool of information, agenda setting, and propagation of political ideas. During the 2016 American election campaign, Twitter circulates the highest news related to politics. According to Eastern Times report, about 40 million elections related tweet sent by people on American pool day. It was a record for news and twitter history. If we took a sight on Indiangeneral election 2014, social media played a very strong role in public opinion making and changing their voting behaviour.

8'7QC1H:C'CQII%J1H:QJ':JR'2QH1:C'KVR1: Political communication refers toinformation spreads to others that can influence politics and policy makers along with mass media and citizens.Generally, information 6"##&,"*'+&#$-5&%$,'##$,&6"?,8$1.?,.&%@$28$A8@$B$C'5'*'7!@$ D. (1999) posited that mass media can persuade society and can shape political communication in the democratic 62 New Media : Democracy and Elections #/#+&,8$ D*."@$ A8$ E8@$ B$ EF-7&%>-@$ D8$ GHIJKL$ &M).'"*&6$ +!'+$ socialmedia generally focuses on an individual politician. They try to convince the public by focusing on issues related to their interest. They use social media for personalized campaigning. They use social media to communicate their personal image as a politician. On the other hand, social media is not widely used for party promotion. Opinion maker and opinion leaders also use social media for dissemination of their ideology and perception on certain issues. Gokce,O. Z., Hatipoglu, E., Gokturk, G., Luetgert, 18@$B$E'/7"*@$N8$GHIJOL$)-#"+&6$+!'+$#-("'.$,&6"'$('*$#!')&$ political attitude. This online platform provides space for political socialization and mobilization. Mostly, politicians use social media for making his presence online. Opinion leader uses Twitter to motivate their followers and political engagement. This microblogging service is used to mobilization and public expression. Opinion leader uses Twitter to make an important contribution to the political process. Wilson, J. (2011) posited that politics is mediatised by social media. Twitter is medium which is used to informed about daily activity. Ott, B. L. (2017) explain that social media like Twitter is a place where public discourse occurs. The researcher demonstrated this with the case study of P-*'.6$ %?,)R#$ :"++&%$9&&68$

8'@V01V1'Q`'C1 V`: %`V' The part contains the review of the existing literature available on the Twitter and political communication. The studies have been presented in chronological order so that the oldest studies are presented first followed >/$ +!&$ .'+&#+8$ Q*$ +!&$ #+?6/$ QR!'+$ +!&$ !'#!+'7S$T$ (-*+&*+$ '*'./#"#$-9$U'*'6"'*$)-."+"(#$-*$ :"++&%R@$E,'..@$ 8$T8$GHIJJL$ examine the Twitter and its role in politics i.e. interaction of microblogging and Canadian politics. The researcherdid content analysis and find out that informing is the primary function of a political hashtag. They pointed out that the value of a political hashtag obtains from the real-time nature of the information shared. Q*$+!&$#+?6/$QV'+"-*'.$)-."+"(#$-*$ New Media : Democracy and Elections 63 :"++&%W$E+%?(+?%&#$'*6$+-)"(#$-9$'$*&+:-%F&6$)?>."($#)!&%&R@$ T?##&%!-9&%@$ 28@$ B$ X'"%&6&%@$ T8$ GHIJKL$ &M',"*&$ :"++&%$ and its effect on political issues. Researchers did a content analysis to meet the result. They find out that the Twitter users are dominated by the high class political professionals but open to outside participations. Q*$ +!&$ #+?6/$ Q3&%#-*'."0&6$ (',)'"7*#$ "*$ )'%+/Y(&*+%&6$ )-."+"(#W$ :"++&%$ '*6$ Z'(&>--F$ '#$ '%&*'#$ 9-%$ )-."+"('.$ (-,,?*"('+"-*R@$D*."@$A8$E8@$B$EF-7&%>-@$D8$GHIJKL$&M',"*&6$ the role of social media in political communication. Researchers find out that politician uses social media for their marketing purpose. Mainly, is used for marketing purpose, but Twitter is mostly used for dialogue. Q*$+!&$#+?6/$QP-&#$ :"++&%$,-+"5'+&$"*5-.5&,&*+$"*$)-."+"(#S$ :&&+"*7@$ -)"*"-*$ .&'6&%#!")@$ '*6$ )-."+"('.$ &*7'7&,&*+R@$ Park, C. S. (2013) examine the relationship between opinion leaders and Twitter. The result indicates that opinion leadership use Twitter for the favourable contribution in "*6"5"6?'.#R$"*5-.5&,&*+$"*$+!&$)-."+"('.$(-,,?*"('+"-*8$$ Q*$'$%&#&'%(!$:-%F$Q :"++&%$"*$)-."+"(#W$'(-,)%&!&*#"5&$ ."+&%'+?%&$ %&5"&:R@$ 2?*7!&%%@$T8$ GHIJOL$ '*'./#&$ +!&$ Q*6"'*$ general election 2014. Researcher finds that social media platform played a very powerful role in mass opinion making and changing their voting attitude or behaviour. Study unveils that twitter posts are used in thea politic alevents like debates on television, party conventions, and (-5&%'7&$ 6?%"*7$ +!&$ &.&(+"-*8$ Q*$ +!&$ #+?6/$ Q :"++&%$ '*6$ 3-."+"(#W$Q6&*+"9/"*7$ ?%F"#!$[)"*"-*$\&'6&%#$"*$V&:$E-("'.$ X&6"'R@$A-F(&@$[8$]8@$^'+")-7.?@$D8@$A-F+?%F@$A8@$\?&+7&%+@$ 18@$B$E'/7"*@$N8$GHIJOL$'*'./0&$!-:$#-("'.$,&6"'$('*$#!')&$ political attitude. The result indicate that most of the opinion leaders are not following the conventional expectations. But they employed many kinds of strategies for managing their online presence, and dissemination of their ideas. Q*$+!&$#+?6/$Q3-."+"(#$"*$JOI$(!'%'(+&%#$-%$.&##W$U',)'"7*$ communication, network interaction, and political )'%+"(")'+"-*$ -*$ :"++&%R@$ 1-6&@$ \8@$ B$ P'.%/,).&@$ C8$ D8$ GHIJ_L$6-*&$#?%5&/$+-$9"*6$-?+$+!&$?#&%R#$>&!'5"-%$'*6$+!&"%$ 64 New Media : Democracy and Elections involvement. They find out that politically involved Twitter users are more interested in politics. They have less trust in comparison to mainstream media. Although twitter followers can change and reshape the whole political campaign. In the #+?6/Q$E&"0"*7$+!&$,-,&*+W$ !&$)%&#"6&*+"'.$(',)'"7*#R$?#&$ -9$ :"++&%$6?%"*7$+!&$HIJH$&.&(+-%'.$(/(.&R@$C%&"##@$P8$GHIJ_L$ did a content analysis to know the Tweet and its treatment in media. Researcher finds out that political campaign can influence the journalists, and the whole reporting process %?*#$'#$)&%$+!&$)-."+"("'*R#$#+%'+&7/8$

8'@O2O!@CP'KO-P:A:Q:R7' This part contains objectives, hypothesis, and research design.

8':56OC->O2':U'-PO'2-A7' The objectives of the research are given below. RO1: To know the main issues raised in tweets. RO2: To know the importance of tweets. RO3: To know the involvement of the main political actor in tweets. RO4: To know the objective of tweets. RO5: To measure the agenda of tweets. 3.2 Hypothesis of the Study: The hypothesis of the researchis given below. There is an association between the main actor and the objectives of tweets.

8'@O2O!@CP'AO2>R?' The research design of the present study is quantitative as well as qualitative innature, as the study aims to analyze the tweet on the qualitative parameter.

8'!@>!5QO2 In the present research, both dependent and independent variables have beenused to meet the objective. Issues raised, the importance of tweet, and agenda are the few important New Media : Democracy and Elections 65 variables.

8'2!K7QO'AO2>R? The sample design of the present study comprises the 9-..-:"*7$&.&,&*+#W$ !8' Universe- All the message tweeted by the political )'%+/R#$ :"++&%$ !'*6.&$ (-*#+"+?+&$ +!&$ ?*"5&%#&$ -9$ +!&$ present study. 58' Sampling Element: It is impossible to examine the complete population, the Official Twitter handle of BJP (largest party of the world) has been chosen for the present study. C8' Sampling Unit: Sampling unit of present study is the ,&##'7&$+:&&+&6$-*$+!&$-99"("'.$ :"++&%$!'*6.&$-9$:-%.6R#$ largest political party BJP !++)#W<<+:"++&%8(-,<>`)O"*6"' A8' Sampling Technique: Systematic sampling method has been following to gather the data from the official Twitter handle during the selected time period.

8 '7O@>:A':U'2-A Periodof the present study is two months. The researcher !'#$ (-..&(+&6$ +:&&+#$ )-#+&6$ -*$ 123R#$ -99"("'.$ :"++&%$ 9%-,$ June 2018 to July 2018.Data has been collected after 3 days of a tweet posted, becouse within three days, the tweets have got highest popularty, retweet and like or dislike.

8 '?!-@O'!?A'2:@CO2':U'A!-! In the present study, only primary data has been used as a requirement of the research objectives. The primary data has been collected through content analysis. The codebook is prepared on the basis of priori coding.

8'!?!Q2>2 Analysis of the study is divided into two part. Part first consist of percentage analysis and part second consist of cross tabulation along with the chi-squire test. 66 New Media : Democracy and Elections 8'K!>?'>22O2'@!>2OA'>?'-OO-' Twitter ismedium by which political parties raise various issues. It is used to convey his/her message to society. After '*'./0"*7$ 123R#$ -99"("'.$ :"++&%$ '((-?*+@$ "+$ "#$ 9-?*6$ +!'+$ 73% of its total tweet raised political issues. While another 22% raised social issues while resting 05% tweets raised economic issues.

8'-:7>C2':U'-OO- Tweets are used to raised various topics which can be useful for propagation, the setting of agenda, or just information sharing. Generally, tweets are related to many topics like a popular announcement/economic activities, party politics, terrorism, foreign relations, defense, social welfare/social issues, Government, corruption/scandal/ (-?%+$ -%$ .&7'.$ &+(8$ T9+&%$ '*'./0"*7$ 123R#$ -99"("'.$ :"++&%@$ it is found that 40% of its tweet directly related to party politics. Another 20% of tweets are on the topic of popular announcement/economic activities and 19% tweets are directly related to social welfare/social issues. Only 4% tweet is related to terrorism, 3% tweet on Government, 2% foreign relation and defense respectively. Only 1% tweet is related to corruption/scandal and court/legal/crime.

8'>K7:@-!?CO':U'-OO- Importance defines the value of a tweet. It is assumed that if a tweet is globally important, it is more valuable than +!&$*'+"-*'.$'*6$.-('.$.&5&.8$T9+&%$'*'./0"*7$123R#$-99"("'.$ Twitter, the tweet related to the national level are twitted 85%. Only 10% tweets having local importance are posted on official Twitter followed by 5% percent local importance.

8'K!>?'7:Q>->C!Q'!C-:@'>?'-OO- Twitter is used for image building of the politicians.After '*'./0"*7$123R#$-99"("'.$ :"++&%@$"+$"#$9-?*6-?+$+!'+$Kab$-9$ total tweets have PM as a main political actor.Again on the scrolling of the account, 25% tweets having a head/senior member of party organization. In the next 22% tweets, New Media : Democracy and Elections 67 Government is presented as the main actor. Another 10% tweets presented opposition leader as the main actor. Only 7% tweet presented Union and State Cabinet Minister as themain actor. Only 1% tweet hasa non-political person as the main actor.

8 'K!>?':56OC->O'>?'-PO'-OO- Each tweet has one or more objectives. The researcher analyzed tweets on the basis of main objectives like agenda setting, backbiting, information sharing, influence political debate, propaganda or image building/public opinion. After '*'./0"*7$123R#$-99"("'.$ :"++&%@$"+$"#$9-?*6$+!'+$O_b$+:&&+$ posted with the main objective of image building/shaping public opinion. Another 24% tweet posted with the objective of information sharing followed by 13% tweets with the objectives of backbiting and 11% tweets with the objectives of agenda setting. Only 5% tweets posted with the motto of influence political debate followed by 1% with the moto of propaganda.

8 '!RO?A!'>?'-OO- Everyperson has an ideology, same as each tweet has an agenda. This agenda may be micro agenda or positive agenda, macro agenda or negative agenda, and no agenda. T9+&%$'*'./0"*7$123R#$-99"("'.$ :"++&%$!'*6.&@$+!&$%&#&'%(!&%$ found that 64% tweetshave micro agenda i.e. positive in nature. 21% tweets have no agenda; it means these tweets have no any positive or negative agenda. Only 15% tweets have macro agenda which is known as a negative agenda.

8 'C@:22'-!5Q!->:?'5O-OO?'K!>?'7:Q>->C!Q'!C-:@' !?A'K!>?':56OC->O':U'-PO'-OO-'

Main The main objective of the Tweet Political Agen- Back-bit- Infor- Influ- Pro- Image-build- Actor in da ing mation ence pa- ing/Shaping Tweet set- polit- ganda political ting ical opinion debate 68 New Media : Democracy and Elections

Prime 8.6% 2.9% 37.1% 2.9% 0.0% 48.6% Minister Opposition 0.0% 70.0% 10.0% 10.0% 0.0% 10.0% leader Minister of Union 0.0% 14.3% 14.3% 28.6% 0.0% 42.9% or state cabinet Govern- 22.7% 4.5% 36.4% 4.5% 0.0% 31.8% ment Other than 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Politician Head/ Senior 12.0% 12.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.0% 72.0% member of party After the above analysis,it is found that every tweet has some specific objectives. These objectives may be hidden or -)&*./$&M)%&##&68$T9+&%$'*'./0"*7$123R#$ :"++&%$'((-?*+@$"+$ is found that the objectives of the tweet have changed with the main actors. 48.6% tweetsin which Prime Minister is presented as the main actor have a clear objective of image building/ shaping political opinion followed by 37.1% with the objectives of information. Only 8.6% tweet have agenda setting objectives, 2.9% tweet have backbiting and influence political debate objectives in which PM is presented as the main actor. No any tweetrelated to PM posted on Twitter having propaganda as objective. 70% of total tweets in which opposition leader is presented as the main actor has the open objective of backbiting. Another 10% tweet has information, influence political debate and image building/shaping political opinion objectives. No any tweet having agenda setting and propaganda posted in which opposition leader is shown as a key player. About 43% of total tweets in which Minister of union or state cabinet is presented as the main actor has the main objective of image-building/shaping political opinion followed New Media : Democracy and Elections 69 by 28.6% tweets as the main objective of influence political debate. Another 14.3% tweets related to ministers have information and backbiting as main objectives respectively. No any tweet having agenda setting and propaganda posted in which minister of union or state cabinet is shown as the main actor. About 36% of total tweets in which Government is presented as the main actor has the main objective of information followed by 32% tweet having the objective of image building/shaping political opinion. Another about 23% tweet in which Government is involved as the main actor has agenda setting an objective. No, any tweet posted with the objective of propaganda. Although 4.5% tweet having the objective of backbiting and influence political debate. On the other hand, all tweet posted in which non-political person presented as the main actor have the objective of information sharing. About 72% of total tweets in which head/senior member of a party represented as the main actor has the objective of image building/shaping political opinion. Another 12% tweet in which head/senior member of the partyis involved as the main actor has agenda setting and backbiting objective. No, any tweet posted with the objective of information and influence political debate. Although, only 4% tweet having the objective of propaganda posted on Twitter.

8 '-O2-':U'2>R?>U>C!?CO' There is no any association between main actor and objectives of tweets.

Chi-Square Tests Pearson Chi-Square df Asymp. Sig 68.377a 25 .000 There is a significant relationship between the main actor and the objective of tweets because p-value (P-0.000) is less +!'*$#"7*"9"('*(&$.&5&.$I8Ia8$E-@$+!&$*?..$!/)-+!&#"#$Q+!&%&$ is no any association between main actor and objectives of +:&&+#R$"#$%&`&(+&68$$ 70 New Media : Democracy and Elections 8'@O2Q-2 8' T9+&%$'*'./0"*7$"##?&$%'"#&6$-*$123R#$-99"("'.$ :"++&%@$"+$ is found that most of the tweet related to politics. Nest few posts are raised the social issue. Only very few +:&&+#$ %'"#&6$ &(-*-,"($ "##?$ Q+$ "*6"('+&#$ +!'+$ 123R#$ official Twitter giving more importance to the political issue. Twitter is used to persuade followers, informing about the political event and happing to media person as well as common men. It can be used for political issues framing. 8' It is found that Twitter is used to propagate and inform about party politics, social welfare issues/ social issues and popular announcements/economic activities. Although terrorism, foreign relation, defense, Government, corruption, Court/legal issues related topic are not getting proper importance. 8' 123R#$ -99"("'.$ :"++&%$ 7"5"*7$ ,-%&$ ",)-%+'*(&$ +-$ +!&$ political issue. Twitter is used to persuade followers, informing about the political event and happing to media person as well as common men. It can be used for political issues framing. 8' 123R#$+:&&+#$!'5&$*'+"-*'.$",)-%+'*(&8$c'%&./@$+:&&+#$ having local and international importance posted on the official handle. It indicates that BJP raised issues having national importance on official Twitter. 8' 123R#$ :"++&%$'((-?*+$"#$7&*&%'../$?#&6$+-$)-#+$#?(!$+:&&+$ in which PM or party head presented as the main actor. [))-#"+"-*$.&'6&%R#$9'(&$)%",&6$,-%&$"*$(-,)'%"#-*$+-$ Cabinet Minister of Union or State. The government also primed as the main actor on Twitter. 8' 123R#$-99"("'.$ :"++&%$'((-?*+$"#$?#&6$9-%$",'7&$>?".6"*7$ and shaping public opinion. Although few political posts have the motto of information sharing. Backbiting and agenda setting objective also found in considerable +:&&+#8$ 123R#$ [99"("'.$ :"++&%$ "#$ -(('#"-*'../$ ?#&6$ +-$ influencing political debate and propaganda. 8' X-#+$-9$+!&$+:&&+#$)-#+&6$-*$123R#$-99"("'.$+:"++&%$!'*6.&$ New Media : Democracy and Elections 71 having positive agenda. onlya few tweets have negative agenda, although few have no any kind of agenda. 8' Most of the tweet in which Prime Minister is presented as the main actor has the objective of image building/ shaping political opinion and information sharing. 8' Most of the tweets in which opposition leader is presented as the main actor have a clear objective of backbiting. 8'Most of the tweets in which Ministers of union or state cabinet are presented as the main actor hasthe main objective of image-building/shaping political opinion and influencing political debate. 8'Tweets in which Government is presented as the main actor has the main objective of information sharing and image building/shaping political opinion. 8'All tweet posted in which non-political person presented as the main actor have the objective of information. 8'Most of the tweets in which head/senior member of a party represented as the main actor has posted with the objective of image building/shaping political opinion.

8'@OUO@O?CO2 6Q%`J:C9' 1. T?##&%!-9&%@$28@$BX'"%&6&%@$T8$GHIJKL8$V'+"-*'.$)-."+"(#$ -*$ :"++&%W$E+%?(+?%&#$'*6$+-)"(#$-9$'$*&+:-%F&6$)?>."($ sphere. Information, Communication & Society, 16(3), 291-314. 2. 1&F'9"7-@$ X8$ T8@$ B$ X(1%"6&@$ T8$ GHIJKL8$ R!-$ +:&&+#$ about politics? Political participation of Twitter users during the 2011gubernatorial elections. Social Science Computer Review, 31(5), 625-643. 3. 1.?,.&%@$ 28$ A8@$ B$ C'5'*'7!@$ P8$ GJdddL8$ !&$ +!"%6$ '7&$ -9$ )-."+"('.$ (-,,?*"('+"-*W$ Q*9.?&*(&#$ '*6$ features. Political communication, 16(3), 209-230. 4. 1-6&@$ \8@$ BP'.%/,).&@$ C8$ D8$ GHIJ_L8$ 3-."+"(#$ "*$ JOI$ (!'%'(+&%#$ -%$ .&##W$ U',)'"7*$ (-,,?*"('+"-*@$ network interaction, and political participation on Twitter. Journal of Political Marketing, 15(4), 311-332. 72 New Media : Democracy and Elections 5. Dahlgren, P. (2005). The Internet, public spheres, '*6$ )-."+"('.$ (-,,?*"('+"-*W$ P"#)&%#"-*$ '*6$ deliberation. Political communication, 22(2), 147-162. 6. D*."@$A8$E8@$BEF-7&%>=@$D8$GHIJKL8$3&%#-*'."0&6$(',)'"7*#$ "*$ )'%+/Y(&*+%&6$ )-."+"(#W$ :"++&%$ '*6$ Z'(&>--F$ '#$ arenas for political communication. Information, Communication & Society, 16(5), 757-774. 7. AF &@$ [8$ ]8@$ ^'+")-0.?@$ D8@$ AF+%F@$ A8@$ \?&+7&%+@$ 18@$ BE'/7"*@$ N8$ GHIJOL8$ :"++&%$ '*6$ 3-."+"(#W$ Q6&*+"9/"*7$ Turkish Opinion Leaders in New Social Media. Turkish Studies, 15(4), 671-688. 8. 2?*7!&%%@$T8$GHIJOL8$ :"++&%$"*$)-."+"(#W$'$(-,)%&!&*#"5&$ literature review. 9. C%&"##@$P8$GHIJ_L8$E&"0"*7$+!&$,-,&*+W$ !&$)%&#"6&*+"'.$ (',)'"7*#R$ ?#&$ -9$ :"++&%$ 6?%"*7$ +!&$ HIJH$ &.&(+-%'.$ cycle. New Media & Society, 18(8), 1473-1490. 10. Newman, T. P. (2017). Tracking the release of IPCC AR5 -*$ :"++&%W$ =#&%#@$ (-,,&*+#@$ '*6$ #-?%(&#$ 9-..-:"*7$ the release of the Working Group I Summary for Policymakers. Public Understanding of Science, 26(7), 815-825. 11. [++@$18$\8$GHIJjL8$ !&$'7&$-9$ :"++&%W$P-*'.6$28$ %?,)$ and the politics of debasement. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 34(1), 59-68. 12. Park, C. S. (2013). Does Twitter motivate involvement in politics? Tweeting, opinion leadership, and political engagement. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1641-1648. 13. E,'..@$ 8$T8$GHIJIL8$U'*'6"'*$)-."+"(#$"*$JOI$(!'%'(+&%#W$ Party politics in the Twitterverse. Canadian parliamentary review, 33(3), 39-45. 14. Small, T. A. (2011). What the hashtag? A content analysis of Canadian politics on Twitter. Information, communication & society, 14(6), 872-895. 15. ?,'#`'*@$T8@$E)%&*7&%@$ 8$[8@$E'*6*&%@$38$A8@$BR&.)&@$ Q8$X8$GHIJIL8$3%&6"(+"*7$&.&(+"-*#$:"+!$+:"++&%W$R!'+$JOI$ (!'%'(+&%#R$%&5&'.$'>-?+$)-."+"('.$#&*+",&*+8$Icwsm, 10(1), 178-185. New Media : Democracy and Elections 73 16. ?,'#`'*@$T8@$E)%&*7&%@$ 8$[8@$E'*6*&%@$38$A8@$BR&.)&@$ Q8$X8$GHIJIL8$3%&6"(+"*7$&.&(+"-*#$:"+!$+:"++&%W$R!'+$JOI$ (!'%'(+&%#R$%&5&'.$'>-?+$)-."+"('.$#&*+",&*+8$Icwsm, 10(1), 178-185. 17. R".#-*@$ 28$ GHIJJL8$ 3.'/"*7$ :"+!$ )-."+"(#W$ 3-."+"('.$ fans and Twitter faking in post-broadcast democracy. Convergence, 17(4), 445-461.

Books 18. Ferrell, J. (1993). !"#$%&'(&%)*+$,&-!./0&1!/(S)"&/03&)4$& politics of criminality8$V&:$N-%FW$A'%.'*68$ 19. Friedrich, C. J. (1972). The Pathology of Politics: violence, betrayal, corruption, secrecy, and propaganda. V&:$N-%FW$^'%)&%$B$c-:8 20. 3?#(!,'**@$U8@$B$1?%7&##@$28$GHIJKL8$ !&$)-."+"(#$-9$ Twitter data, Queensland University of Technology. 21. E&'%#@$P8$[8@$B$X(U-*'!'/@$28$18$GJdjKL8$The politics of violence: The new urban blacks and the Watts riot. 1-#+-*W$^-?7!+-*$X"99."*8 22. Skolnick, J. H. (1969). The politics of protest (pp. 286- kkL8$V&:$N-%FW$1'..'*+"*&$1--F#8 23. R&..&%@$C8@$1%?*#@$T8@$1?%7&##@$28@$X'!%+@$X8@$B$ Puschmann, C. (2014). Twitter and society (Vol. 89). Peter Lang.

Research Report 24. Smith, A. (2011). 22% of online Americans used social networking or Twitter for politics in 2010 campaign. 3&:$ Q*+&%*&+$ B$ T,&%"('*$ \"9&$ 3%-`&(+8$ Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.

Web sources 25. !++)#W<<&*8-M9-%66"(+"-*'%"(-,<6&9"*"+"-*<+:&&+ 26. !++)#W<<:::8?%>'*6"(+"-*'%/8(-,<6&9"*&8 php?term=Tweet%21 27. !++)#W<<&*8:"F+"-*'%/8-%7<:"F"<+:&&+ 5

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Abstract New media, democracy and election these three things are different and but they are related when year 2014 came. India has a big country with great power of democracy and elections are essential part of this. Can say if democracy is a body then elections are nervous system of the body. Undoubtedly, media creates a space between both of them. Election came with a new word that named campaign. And media is the only way to do campaigning in good manner. The digital strategy makes election campaign very prominent among the population of the nation. All democratic and republic parties took help from social media like facebook, twitter,instagram and for gaining the attention. In this study, researcher gives a data plan that how election 2014 considered the new media while campaigning for the election and its proved that campaigning with the help of new media was more responding as compare to other media. 2014 general elections are considered in electioneering strategy, with the use of digital technology and new media platform. With the prediction of election 2019, researcher &M)&(+#$+!'+$"+R#$,-%&$%&./"*7$-*$+!&$#-("'.$,&6"'$'#$(-,)'%&$ to the previous elections. This study cleared that election 2014 is all about the new media and digital strategy and to be proved very revolutionary as comparative to the past years.

*Assistant Professor, UIMS, Chandigarh University New Media : Democracy and Elections 75 INTRODUCTION New media is the new form of media which plays an integral role in the daily life of the society. Another name of this media is interactive media, it refer that this media is all about the social media and informative media. As compare with, to other media like print and electronic media, the element of feedback is more active here. We people have a very busy schedule to use media like print and electronic, for example if people need current scenario of our surrounding +!'+$ +!&/$ !'5&*R+$ ,?(!$ +",&$ +-$ %&'6"*7$ *&:#)')&%$ '*6$ watching television. So media convergence is the best thing for the people for better interactivity and the information. New media or digital media is more likely and used by the technically literate people. Basically social media, blogs, video game and news outlet online are the examples of the new media. People are more comfortable to use media in +!&"%$)-(F&+#@$"+$"#$."F&./$+!'+$OF*-:.&67&$"*$+!&$)-(F&+P$+!'+$ is more comfortable to gather information of various aspects in seconds. According to the book “understanding new media” by Robert Logan “New media is very easily processed, stored, transformed, retrieved, hyperlinked and perhaps most radical of all, easily searched for the accessedP8 As new media grows in the sense of interactivity, there is also a new way raised with this new term. It is like, everybody in the society used this media for the popularity reasons. It is found to discover new way to communicate. For example, it is easily approachable for the all kind of group matter in the society, so easy to spread message and to perceive any kind of innovative ideas. In this chapter we are going to discuss about the how new media is recognized in the election campaign and plays an important role in the democracy. Television is the main source of the election information but if we are look back in 2014 elections, digital media more was used in the election campaign and in the polling result also. Not only this even the competitor parties also used the 76 New Media : Democracy and Elections social media platform to just lure the vote from voters and the parties did the promises which were all related to the 6"7"+'.$Q*6"'8$OP"7"+'.$Q*6"'$"*"+"'+"5&P$>/$+!&$%?."*7$)'%+/$ in India is all about the new media. The consideration of this initiative in the manifesto 2014 is all related to the increment in the vote bank because we live in that nation which has maximum number of youth percentage when it is compared to other groups and it is sure that new generation has technological skills or has skill to use it. Election 2014 !'6$+!&$,'"*$'7&*6'$+-$(')+?%&$+!&$/-?+!R#$*&&6$'*6$7'5&$ them opportunity for technological advancement. The effect of new media on the election has been substantial. The (-,)&+"+-%R#$)'%+"&#$!'5&$,'6&$6"7"+'.$,&6"'$#+%'+&7"&#$+-$ enhancing the votes. The young voter made interest in the election through the new media as the old age voter had interest through print and television media; this generation changes the election schedule online from the outset. A growing body of literature focuses on the ways in which young voters are using new election media and their effects. Various studies indicate that young group like more to access the information. This is the main reason, why democratic or republic parties used new media for the election campaigns.

C:?2K>?R'?O'KOA>!'>?'OQOC->:?' As India is a country with the largest democracy with largest democratic or republic parties those are competitors to each other. In every 5 years, a battle in between the parities started and they are busy for election campaign to gather the more and more votes to rule the nation. In this battleship, a new term raised in the election era of 2014 that was Digital strategies. In election 2014, new media played a very important role in the election campaigns. New media has various types like social media, digital technologies, Smartphone and internet etc. In India, social media stands 9-%$+!&$>&#+$"*$+!&$&.&(+"-*$(',)'"7*8$ !&#&$6'/#$OR!'+#'))P$ is the best mode of the social media which is more reliable for the audience. And parties like BJP and CONGRESS made New Media : Democracy and Elections 77 50,000 Whatsapp groups to spread the campaign message. 1?+$ '.:'/#$ O!'))"&#+$ +!"*7$ (',&$ :"+!$ 7%&'+$ #-%%-:Pn$ "+$ also happen in the whatsapp group campaign that false information propagates through whatsapp and also political or social divisions is propagated and inflamed by digital technologies. Election 2014 campaign itself proves a very revolutionary as compare to the past years campaigns. Comparing to the 2009 election, 2014 general election, all relied on new media and social media. There is some data that is showing the users of internet '*6$#-("'.$,&6"'$"*$+!&$Q*6"'W Users Mode Internet 243 millions Facebook 114.8 millions Twitter 33 millions This table shows that digital technologies became the most important communication tool as the other media. There is also a report that is showing that after 2009 election, how much tweets were raised.

>J'5' Q' 1VV '1V`V'`:19VR'R%`1J$'VCVHQJ'H:I]:1$J8 T((-%6"*7$ +-$ +!&$ %&#&'%(!&%$ D.-**'"$ ^"(F-F$ O+!&$ %-.&$ ).'/&6$ >/$ 6"7"+'.$ ).'+9-%,#$ '*6$ )&%#-*'.$ 6'+'$ "*$ Q*6"'R#$ recent and upcoming first past-the-post general elections in 2019, constituting the country 17th$ )'%."',&*+P$ '*6$ its record that 83.41(66.4%) crore voter will be going to participating in 2019 election. 2014 election is considered in the electioneering strategy, with the use of digitalised technologies and spreading information through the new media. If we discuss about the upcoming election 2019, the expert expect that this election is more relying on the social media and new media as relative to the election 2014. Because within 5 years the technology became very vast, urban and rural, all areas had been provivded 4G speed network to access the information and social media also. As relevant to the other media like print and electronic media, new media became the first 78 New Media : Democracy and Elections choice of all population in India. Democratic parties rely on new media for the campaigning in election. Traditionally, candidates have relied on the local knowledge and used techniques like opinion poll, voter banks, door to door and focus on voter bank. In the contrast 2014 election is all depended on use of data, digital technology and platform.

?V1'IVR1:;9' .1J$9'IV9IV`1<1J$' .V'0Q V`9 Why new media is considered important for the candidates? how this media help to gather more and more votes? Why do parties think that the messages sent through digital platform will make a space among the masses? These kinds of questions are very important when a researcher collects the various aspects to related the study. Actually, new media has a power to get the attention of the audience very easily as compare to other media. People believe those things which are easy to understand and *-$6-?>+@$+!'+R#$:!/$+!"#$)'%+"(?.'%$"*7%&6"&*+$,'F&$*&:$ media first choice for the audience. In 2014 election, the parties take advantages from the new media and make memorable phrase which is helpful in +!&"%$(',)'"7*$+!&%&$'%&$#-,&$&M',).&#$-9$+!-#&$#.-7'*#W OT>F"$>''%$,-6"$#'%F'%P OU!'"$)'%$(!'%(!'P O^'%Y!'%$,-6"P OV',-YV',-P OX&%&$#')*-$F'$>!'%'+P$'*6$O'(!&$6"*$''/&7&P These slogans play very integral role for the winning party because this kind of phrase makes an image very easily and grab the attention of those who do not even know about the new media. As already discussed that new media has very wide reach and easy to provide information. This F"*6$-9$"*9-%,'+"-*$9.-:$('*$%&.'+&$:"+!$+!&$O!&."('.$,-6&.$ -9$ (-,,?*"('+"-*P8$ !"#$ ,-6&.$ #'/#$ +!'+$ !&."('.$ #)%"*7$ "#$ small at the bottom and grows bigger as the communication progresses. This effect can same when anything get viral on new media that can be seen with communications of New Media : Democracy and Elections 79 humans, where they know nothing about a person at first and the knowledge grow steadily as they know person in a better way . It considers all the activities of the person, from the past and present. !"#$('*$>&$?*6&%#+--6$>/$+'F"*7$+!&$&M',).&$-9$Q*6"'R#$ Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Before 2014, when Narendra Modi was chief minister of the Gujarat state, he was not that much prominent as compare to now. But during the election campaign through social media, he manipulates +!&$)&-).&R#$,"*6$:"+!$&'#/$)!%'#&$'*6$,'F&#$'$).'(&$"*$ &5&%/$)&%#-*R#$,"*68

C:?CQ2>:?' The study show that new media makes itself a platform for the parties where they describe their ability for the *'+"-*@$,'*")?.'+&#$+!&$5-+&%@$)'%+"(")'+&#$"*$+!&$'?6"&*(&R#$ interest and tells them their agenda thoroughly. But the usage of new media in the campaign is not that much beneficial for the parties like this media has a very short life. Daily numerous things arise on digital media, people do talk on it and forget. In the case of election, no doubt, people are showing their interest but this is considered in very short term. New media only influence the people, manipulates the situation and moreover sometimes accurate element always are ignored. As it is a short term, democratic parties take advantages from this media and continually use for (',)'"7*@$`?#+$(%&'+&$'*$",'7&$"*$5-+&%R#$,"*68$[*$+!&$-+!&%$ !'*6@$ /-?+!$ "#$ 5&%/$ &##&*+"'.$ )'%+$ -9$ Q*6"'R#$ )-)?.'+"-*8$ Approximately 60% youth is in India and their first choice in these days is digital technology. Political parties take advantage from it and cover most of the youth through new media to convince. Digital initiative is good example for it. Government makes various policies or services that are related to the technicaly. Everything is going to be digital through paytm,bhim app e-banking or cashless India etc. And the youth of this nation is lured by these promises and take a part to increase parties voter bank. 80 New Media : Democracy and Elections @OUO@O?CO7 >$ !++)#W<<:::89"*'*("'.&M)%&##8(-,<&.&(+"-*#<-6"#!'Y panchayat-election-2017-bjp-emerges-as-2nd-largest- party-congress-3rd/567529/ >$ !++)#W<<:::8(&*#?#HIJJ8(-8"*<(&*#?#<6"#+%"(+$ In Broadhurst, Proceedings of the Asia Cyber Crime E?,,"+$ TF6&*"0@$ N$ GHIIJL@$ QU-*+%-.."*7$ "..&7'.$ '*6$ !'%,9?.$(-*+&*+$-*$+!&$Q*+&%*&+R8$Q*$R'..@$ >$ Crime and The Internet Akdeniz, Y, C Walker and D Wall, eds. (2000), The Internet, Law and Society, ^'%.-:W$\-*7,'*#$T.5'00"$6&.$Z%'+&@$T$GJddkL@$ >$ Q3%&5&*+"*7$ (%",&W$ U"+"0&*#R$ &M)&%"&*(&$ '(%-##$ +!&$ :-%.6@$Q##?&#$'*6$c&)-%+#$V-$d@$c-,&W$=VQUcQ$T3QA$ (2003), >$ U-,,?*"('+"-*#$ P'+'W$ c&)-%+$ -9$ '*$ Q*p?"%/$ >/$ +!&$ T..$3'%+/$Q*+&%*&+$A%-?)8$\-*6-*W$T3QA8$c&+%"&5&6$HJ$ X'%(!$HIIK$'+$!++)W<<:::8')"78-%78?F<$T3QA%&)-%+8)69$ Asia Computer Weekly (2000), >$ QD/&$-*$V-%+!$T#"'W$U!"*'$E&&F#$V&:$\':$+-$U-,>'+$ U/>&%(%",&#R$ GHIIIL@$ _$ V-5&,>&%@$ )8$ J$ T#"'$ \':$ B$ Practice Ltd (1996), >$ T"0":'@$C$GHIIJL@$QU?%%&*+$,&(!'*"#,#$9-%$Q*+&%*'+"-*'.$ U--)&%'+"-*$ "*$ U%","*'.$ X'++&%#W$ X?+?'.$ \&7'.$ Assistance and Extradition, 24/7 Points of Contact V&+:-%F@$'*6$ %'"*"*7$"*$+!&$Z"&.6$-9$U-,)?+&%$U%",&R8 >$ MLA (Modern Language Assoc.) Grabosky, Peter N. and c-6&%"($A8$1%-'6!?%#+8$U/>&%YU%",&$W$ !&$U!'..&*7&$"*$ Asia. Hong Kong University Press, 2005. EBSCO host.

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?:09:J$VV '2:1J1 It is impossible to attain true democracy without a free, fair and independent media. A perfect democracy is one that strives for the welfare of its people above the rest and the people are well informed, aware and actively partake in the decisions and policies of the government. An informed citizen is the pilot of democracy if information is its currency. Since informed citizenry is pivotal to a dynamic democracy, the role of media becomes more crucial than ever. Media is hailed as the fourth pillar of democracy. Media plays an instrumental role in developing the thought process of the people and transforming them from unaware masses to lively, literate and enlightened drivers of a democratic vehicle. Democracy is a form of governance where people elect their own representatives via free and fair elections. Election process is the fuel of democracy and drives it further. The role of media in democracy and election is that of informing the people so that they are vested with the ability to exercise their right to universal franchise judiciously. India, the largest democracy in the world, understands the importance of mass media and its influence on democratic functioning of the nation. India has a wide variety of media channels that spread knowledge and information to a huge number of people. All India Radio, the national Radio service comprises 420 stations today located across the

* Assistant Professor, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Punjab 82 New Media : Democracy and Elections country, reaching nearly 92% of the countryRs area and 99.19 % of the total population. AIR originates programming in 23 languages and 179 dialects. Similarly, television is also a popular medium in India with the national TV service, Doordarshan, having a reach of over 80% of population and nearly a lac national and regional language newspapers in print according to the Registrar of Newspapers in India. Media also played an important role in the Freedom Movement in India. News on politics and election continue to be the most popular topic in media in India as these news have a great mass appeal and attract an enormous audience. Not only information but political campaigning and propaganda are now mainstream in mass media as the political parties understand and leverage the audience attention that mass media provides to them.

?O'KOA>!'!?A'CP!?R>?R'A?!K>C2':U'K!22'C:KS K?>C!->:? With the development of computer systems and networking, digitization has taken over traditional media formats. Internet and computers have revolutionized the way people communicate. The dynamics of communication have changed at all levels. The rapid expansion of information industry is a global phenomenon. Internet is the building block of Information Revolution. The reach of internet has grown exponentially in the last two decades. Internet not only transmits information but is also a storehouse for it. Communication these days is faster, quicker and tends to defy geographic boundaries. Communication professionals understand that any communication they design is to be consumed by a global audience. The news values have undergone a transformation in the internet era. Globalization and free flowing information are a new reality. An unbridled access to media and information makes the global citizen more aware of the political issues and dynamics all over the world. Democracy in the flow of information ensures democracy in thought processes of the people and the growing dissension over despotic ideologies New Media : Democracy and Elections 83 all over the world is a direct product of the information revolution brought about by internet. Internet therefore fosters democracy by furthering media democracy. Media democracy manifests in two ways. First, Media in its communication and content furthers the democratic values and ideals in the society and second, it maintains democratic values in its own functioning. A democratic media is the backbone of a strong democracy. Internet has spawned the rise of new methodologies in journalism such as citizen journalism and mobile journalism. These newer internet based manifestations of journalism are more democratic in their operation and in turn promote democracy by centering their messages around public welfare and grassroot level issues. In short, internet has had the following impact on Mass X&6"'W >$ Information is faster and quicker. The speed at which information spreads has increased manifold owing to computer networking and enhanced connectivity as a result of Internet. >$ Convergence in media is a direct result of Internet technology. Coming together of various media forms has any benefits and challenges too. >$ Rise of Participatory journalism has led to a collective understanding of global issues. The consensus in turn creates forums and communities that resolve issues by supporting each other actually and virtually. >$ The reach of mass media has increased to even the remotest areas. Areas with tough terrain that struggled to establish contact with traditional media technologies are more accessible now. >$ The process of mass communication has become more inclusive and multifaceted. The marriage of computer systems to internet have resulted in a Hybrid model of communication where information flow takes a three dimensional form. >$ Digitization and Internet have transformed the storage process and capacity of information. Large amounts of 84 New Media : Democracy and Elections information can be archived and retrieved with utmost convenience nowadays. It can therefore be said that Internet has exercised a huge influence on the generation, dissemination and reception of information at a global scale.

?O'KOA>!'!?A'7:Q>- Politics are the actions or activities concerned with achieving and using power in a country or society. It deals with the manner in which people living together in groups make decisions and the agreements and codes of understanding they formulate in order to exist harmoniously as a society or a nation. Media in such a society plays an important role as the ears and eyes of the public. The function of media as the fourth pillar of democracy is to make people aware and furnish them with information so that they are capable of making informed decisions in matters of critical importance to their society and nation. Over the last ten years, information industry has undergone a metamorphosis. Internet and social media have changed the game for polity and elections worldwide. The world has witnessed a marked paradigm shift in the process of information production, dissemination and consumption. The increasing footprint of digital media and particularly social media in political sphere has led to the transformation of public opinion, its expression and consensus building. The impact of social media on politics is exigent and monumental. Social Media plays a huge role in politics and election. Some of the important functions are '#$9-..-:#W *! News around the clock News is just a fingertip away. With bettered technology and increasing access to smartphones, public has become more aware and informed and social media tools have given them the added advantage of voicing their opinions without a restriction *! Impact of opinion polls Opinion polls have always been known to have a New Media : Democracy and Elections 85 sizable impact on the political campaign and success of a party over the other but internet has given this a new high. With many polls being posted at any given time, the chances of influencing public via opinion polls and changing the fate of elections have increased multifold. *! Direct interaction with politicians Politicians use social media to get in touch with the public. This makes them more approachable and lends a more direct and intimate air to the interaction. *! Demographics and Targeting Internet has also revolutionized the manner in which the marketers target their audience. The targeting has become more to the point and focussed. The same technology is being leveraged by the political parties to target the intended audience and to customize their messages to the audience preferences. *! Rumours, Fake News and conspiracies Digital Media has also ld to the rise of fake news. It is difficult to differentiate between real news and rumors online. All types of news, real or fake tend to influence political campaigns and elections. Social media especially has an instrumental impact on the spread of unsubstantiated news. It has become imperative to exercise care and discernment before believing and sharing anything on digital platforms. *! "#$S&'()*#$!+*(,!($-!./0/1)*2/!345#,6&/ On Social Media, there are chances that you will be friends with people who share your ideology and thought processes. You will be exposed repeatedly to content that is congruent with your ideas. Hence there is a confirmation bias that develops as a result of this. You tend to believe that the views you read are the majority opinion while the reality maybe much different. This confirmation bias solidifies and reinforces your opinion making you less tolerant to the opinion of others. So one must try to mingle with assortment of people with differing viewpoints to avoid this situation. 86 New Media : Democracy and Elections Digital Media therefore plays a positive as well as negative role in the shaping the public opinion and changing the course of political actions worldwide. While Internet may have its many advantages, viewers must be aware and skeptical in accepting information.

!"#$%&!#'(')*5%,#,)('!-*%.-$%/,$'. Since eras long bygone, print publications and other forms of media have exercised a significant impact on the course of political events. According to our Founding Fathers, a democracy is a government by, for and of the people. This definition implies that the people are the main political force, demonstrated by their ability to vote officials into and out of office, engage in frequent and meaningful !"#$!%& #"'($& )!*!+#,$& -%%(!%.& #, & /#)$-0-/#$!& -,& O/("*-0& *-2!P&;!,5#5-,5&-,�$-+-$-!%&)!*#$! &$'&$6!-)&0'77(,-$8&#, & possibly their country. The relationship between media and politics is a mysterious medley in the electoral democratic process. In USA, Media companies are among the highest donors to political campaigns, while rarely covering their own role in campaign financing. Media industries make up some of the most powerful lobbying interests in the capitol, leveraging their power as opinion-shapers and successfully advocating for legislation they barely report to the public. Every media company tends to have some political interest or affiliation. This leads to a symbiotic relationship between the media houses and political parties in which both benefit from each other. But the audience gets sidelined in the process of mutual game play between these two. This defies the very logic of the existence of media in a democratic set up. On the other hand, media and internet fueled digital media in particular, are the most democratic medium available to the masses. Unlike the traditional organized media, digital platforms are not licensed or censored or regulated for their content and presentation. Everybody has equal opportunity of representing their opinion on these platforms without undergoing any tiresome process of authorization. This New Media : Democracy and Elections 87 brings about a space where information is aplenty and its flow un-gagged. Plethora of opinions, varied sides of a story and diverse aspects of a social or political issue can be explored and shared with masses without the undemocratic filter of gatekeeping of information to fit the narrow agendas of a select few. Every enterprise, big or small; every individual, rich or poor; every idea, mainstream or alternate, has equal opportunity of representation via the hitherto free and more inclusive world of internet.

-,%/,$'.%5%,#,)('!-*%.-$%&!#'(')*%'-%'-$'. Every democracy hails media as the fourth pillar of its being. In India, that largest democracy of the world, media has always played a huge role join shaping the political scenario of the nation. Print publications played an instrumental role in the freedom struggle of the nation. remarkable publications by notable people and political entities of the time played a magnificent role in moulding the public opinion and reaching out to the people in times when national unity and unified voice were of paramount significance. Noticeable publications of pre- independence era were Amrita Bazaar Patrika, Hindustan Times, Bombay Herald, Madras Courier, SambadKaumudi, Bombay Samachaar, The Hindu, Young India, Harijan, Kesari, National Herald to name a few. These newspapers voiced the concerns of commoners and lent their issues a platform. Newspapers started playing the role of a watchdog in the post- independence India. They not only keep a check on the functioning of democratic institutions but also act as catalytic agents of social, political and economic change in the country. With advent of Television and Radio, mass communication and significance of public opinion gained an even stronger foothold. It was internet though that changed the world of media as we knew it. While internet made things more transparent and dynamic on one hand, it also made information dissemination a desultory, unreliable and chaotic process. 88 New Media : Democracy and Elections The best example of the use of online media for political and electoral purposes were the 2014 general elections in India. The political parties maneuvered the public opinion by making a strategic use of digital media platforms especially social media. Political campaigning via Twitter, Facebook and other online platform reached a new high. BJP, the winning party was able to change the game plan and win the pubic opinion in its favour by capitalizing on the power of social media. The reason for this could be understood as the demographic and population dynamics of India. Majority of population in India falls in the youth category. The Youth is what comprises the majority of users online and on various social media platforms. BJP made a clever and methodical use of social media to reach out to the youth of the nation. Political propaganda via social media is an ongoing thing these days. BJP, Congress and other prominent political parties of national or regional level make abundant use of digital media to reach the masses. For the upcoming 2019 General Elections, political parties in India are looking at social media as one of the most potent media vehicles at their disposal. Rampant use of Facebook, twitter and whatsapp for furthering the political agendas of their respective parties is being made by all parties. The winner in this social media game, however, will the one that uses the social media in a strategic, disciplined and meticulous way with a thorough planning.

",0",-),*% 1. Kumar, Anuj. (2016, Jul 25). Role of Media in Democracy. 6$$/%9::*!5#* !%-)!;0'7:)'*!<'27! -#<-,< !7'0)#08: =;&& >(-*!,"()5.&?#,&@#,&A&B()22.&C-06#) &+#,& !);&D=EEEF;& G! -#& #, & H/!,& I'0-!$-!%;& 6$$/9::& www.uta.fi/cmt/ en/contact/staff/kaarlenordenstreng/publications/ G! -#AH/!,I'0-!$-!%;/ 2JK 3. Coronel, Shiela. (2018). Role of Media in Deepening L!7'0)#08;& 6$$/9::(,/#,K;(,;')5:& -,$)# '0:5)'(/%: public/documents/un/unpan010194.pdf 4. Kelley, Stanley. (2016). Elections and the Mass Media.