Bengal CPM turns to social media for mega rally

In a digital age, CPM's Bengal unit seems to have gauged the power of social media.

Following a series of electoral defeats since being ousted from power in West Bengal in the 2011 Assembly elections, the CPM has turned to social media to ensure that the Left Front’s mega rally in February is a success.

For a party which usually prefers traditional ways of building public opinion such as public meetings, rallies and strikes, the move marks a distinct change in tactics.

The rally will be held on February 3 at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.

The state leadership of the CPM has posted a mobile number on its official Facebook page and has urged party cadres and supporters to send them their views and memories of earlier Left Front rallies held at the Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata.

Tagged as #PeoplesBrigade in the Facebook post, the party leaders urged the workers to send photos of posters, graphics and campaign programs in their locality through WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter.

Party workers are also requested to send a one-minute long video on why they want to attend the Brigade rally.

“You can send a minute long video on why you are going to attend the Brigade rally. You can also send a video regarding any special memories or experience you had at earlier Brigade rallies,” the Facebook post said.

The party leadership has even agreed to keep the videos and messages anonymous for workers who do not want their names to be revealed on social media.

“We will upload the content sent by you (party workers) on our Facebook page, Twitter handle and Youtube channel,” the post by the CPM's West Bengal social media team said.

CPM sources revealed that the party leadership is keen on making the February 3 rally a major show of strength ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

“No political party can ignore the role of social media in politics and we are no exception although we have started late,” a senior CPM leader told DH.