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colouring his persona with that tint. Only voter for granted. It is perhaps for the best
in the past couple of years, thanks to his that the INDIA coalition did not form the
Bharat Jodo Yatra and the mentorship of government; it would likely have collapsed
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, before it even came into existence. Rahul
has he managed to shake off the ‘Pappu’ Gandhi and the other young Turks will
tag. mature and learn valuable lessons in the
Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejaswi Opposition.
Yadav, Aditya Thackeray, and many Yet another factor that has emerged from
other young leaders have learned how this election is the role of alternative digital
to fight elections. But merely winning an media. The mainstream media seems to
election or putting up a strong fight is not have lost credibility as a source of accurate
enough; they must learn to be a productive information or opinion on the government,
Opposition and chart a roadmap for and voices like Ravish Kumar, Dhruv
progress. The mandate given to them is not Rathee, Ajit Anjum, and many others have
just for political drama and conflict. They found a receptive audience. This can be
must choose their battles wisely, refraining attributed to the perception that many in
from attacking the government on every the mainstream media have suppressed the
minor issue or attempting to destabilise it. voice of the Opposition.
While it is the Opposition’s duty to hold The fact that many voices critical of the
the government accountable, constant government gained traction suggests that
bickering and nitpicking can quickly erode there was a desire for these viewpoints to
their credibility. This is an opportunity to be heard. Many in the Hindi print media
deliver real work that benefits the nation twisted facts or omitted them entirely.
rather than turning this parliamentary YouTube videos and other short-form
term into a perpetual boxing match content have become highly influential
between the government and themselves. agents of change. Covering a wide range
of topics—from entertainment and
Image courtesy: hindustantimes.com controversial content—these formats
education to fashion, politics, and even
provide an unfiltered voice for the country.
With our increasing reliance on mobile
phones, these media formats are ideal for
casual browsing, and their impact is far-
reaching. Communication has evolved,
and this alternative media played a
significant role in the 2024 election. The
Striking the right balance between power of this medium lies in its resistance
decisiveness and consensus will ensure to being countered; one can choose to like,
that the government and the Opposition dislike, ignore, or share it, but there is no
work together to achieve comprehensive arguing with it. It conveys its message with
progress and meet the expectations of precision, and its shareability allows it to
the people. Complacency could prove be rapidly circulated, making it even more
detrimental; no one must take the Indian potent.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #62 | AUGUST 2024 9
