SHILLONG: Politicians in Meghalaya are using social media intensively to disseminate information about various activities as well as interacting with citizens as elections are round the corner. The list of politicians joining the bandwagon is only increasing.
Politicians like IT minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Sports Minister Zenith Sangma, MLAs Jemino Mawthoh and Paul Lyngdoh are among those who are using social media.
In recent past, former KHADC CEM PN Syiem also joined Facebook whereas Chief Minister Mukul Sangnma has now come up with a new page though he had some pages on the social site.
Sharing their views on the matter, Ampareen Lyngdoh, who has been using Facebook and Twitter for a long time, said she decided to use social media since people have a notion it is very difficult to meet politicians. “They are using the platform to interact with me on several subjects, including health, education and infrastructure,” she added.
“When people pose questions, I immediately try to respond and bridge the gap,” she said. She, however, lamented that many times, they come across characters in social media who are rude and uses abusive language.
While disagreeing with the notion that only youths are using social media, Lyngdoh added that she had come across people of all age groups and background and many interesting views are also generated from such interactions. On the other hand, Nongthymmai MLA Jemino Mawthoh asserted that social media is the fastest mode of communication in today’s world which enables everyone to keep a track of the activities all around. While admitting that conventional method of campaigning takes more time to connect with people, Mawthoh added that the biggest advantage about social media is the fact that it’s a two way traffic where politicians as well as general public can respond and interact with each other.
“I usually look at reactions and try to analyse the mind of people,” he said.
He also informed that he will be using social media like Facebook and others as a mode of campaign to a certain extent in the upcoming 2018 Assembly elections.
Another UDP leader and MLA from West Shillong, Paul Lyngdoh said that social media have virtually thrown open all channels of communication and he gets updates of news and views not just from his immediate supporters but even friends from worldwide on a minute to minute basis.
“Through this medium, I have been able to enrich myself by the inputs, suggestions and viewpoints from all across the world,” Lyngdoh said while making it clear that he would be using Facebook for campaign in the upcoming elections.
