Congress’ X accounts earlier operated from abroad, now India: BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a startling claim that the Congress party’s social media accounts were earlier being operated from abroad, but have now shifted their location to India. This allegation was made by BJP MP Sambit Patra, who accused the Opposition of insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India by seeking help from foreign forces to run their social media narratives.
Patra cited the location feature on X, a social media platform, to support his claim. He stated that while the BJP’s account shows its location as India, the account of Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera earlier showed the United States as its location. Furthermore, the Maharashtra Congress’ X account showed its location as Ireland before it was changed to India, Patra added.
This revelation has sparked a heated debate about the role of foreign forces in shaping India’s political discourse. The BJP has long accused the Congress of colluding with foreign powers to undermine the government and destabilize the country. The Opposition, on the other hand, has denied these allegations, accusing the BJP of trying to divert attention from its own failures.
The use of social media has become a crucial aspect of political campaigns in India, with parties and leaders using platforms like X, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with voters and shape public opinion. However, the fact that some of these accounts may be operated from abroad raises questions about the authenticity and accountability of the content being shared.
Patra’s allegations have also highlighted the issue of foreign interference in India’s electoral process. The BJP has consistently accused the Congress of seeking foreign funding and support to influence the outcome of elections. The Opposition, on the other hand, has accused the BJP of using foreign-based social media accounts to spread propaganda and misinformation.
The location feature on X, which Patra cited as evidence, is a relatively new feature that allows users to share their location with their followers. While this feature can be useful for connecting with people in a specific geographic area, it also raises concerns about privacy and security.
In the context of political campaigns, the use of location features on social media platforms can be particularly problematic. If an account is being operated from abroad, it may be subject to different laws and regulations than those in India. This can create a situation where foreign entities are influencing India’s political discourse without being subject to the same scrutiny and accountability as domestic actors.
The BJP’s allegations against the Congress have also sparked a debate about the need for greater transparency and regulation of social media platforms in India. The government has already taken steps to regulate social media companies, including requiring them to appoint grievance officers and comply with Indian laws.
However, more needs to be done to ensure that social media platforms are not being used to undermine India’s democracy. The Election Commission of India has already taken steps to regulate social media advertising during elections, but more needs to be done to prevent foreign interference and ensure that political campaigns are transparent and accountable.
In conclusion, the BJP’s allegations against the Congress have highlighted the need for greater transparency and regulation of social media platforms in India. The fact that some political accounts may be operated from abroad raises concerns about foreign interference and the authenticity of the content being shared. As India prepares for upcoming elections, it is essential that political parties and social media companies take steps to ensure that their campaigns are transparent, accountable, and free from foreign influence.
Source: https://x.com/ANI/status/1993959409505194134
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