Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP ropes in local influencers and singers to woo Uttarakhand voters

BJP Uses Influencers in Uttarakhand to Advance its Lok Sabha Campaign

In Uttarakhand, the BJP is leveraging the popularity of local influencers and singers to bolster its campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

One notable figure is folk singer Saurabh Maithani, who is highly active on Instagram and known for his performances at cultural events. Maithani recently collaborated with the BJP by singing a song celebrating the 'Pahadi Asmita' (pride of the Hills) at a party event in Srinagar.

Poonam Sati, a well-known Garhwali singer, is also lending support to the BJP. She has performed at events both within and outside the state, including the 'Uttarakhand Festival Mumbai' in Navi Mumbai. Sati showcased her talent at the BJP's Holi Milan event and shared her performance on social media.

Natasha Shah, a digital creator with a significant Instagram following, is another influencer being courted by the BJP. With her endorsement, the party aims to connect with young and first-time voters in Uttarakhand.

Actor Sanjoli Singh, known for her roles in both Punjabi and Uttarakhandi films, is also part of the BJP's influencer strategy. Singh, with a substantial Instagram following, attended a lunch hosted by the party and engaged in discussions about its expectations from influencers.

Other influencers being targeted by the BJP include Hritik Rawat, Ishika Rawat, and Shekhar Verma, a former head of social media for the Uttarakhand BJP. Verma coined the slogan for Anil Baluni's Lok Sabha campaign — 'Modi Dagad Uttarakhand, Baluni Dagad Garhwal' — which translates to 'with Modi for Uttarakhand, with Baluni for Garhwal'.

This approach aligns with the BJP's broader strategy of leveraging influencers to reach a wider audience, a trend seen with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recognition of online creators and cabinet ministers granting interviews to social media personalities.