N※N

'Social media popularity down', Bihar elections loom as a litmus test for PM Modi

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/30 .. elections-loom-as-a-litmus-test-for-pm-modi.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 11:16 GMT by ThePrint
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Social‑Media Popularity Falters – Bihar Elections to Serve as a Litmus Test for PM Modi’s Global Image

In an era where digital buzz is often equated with political clout, the latest data reveal a worrying dip in the social‑media popularity of India’s most visible leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trend is especially pronounced in the states that will soon be under the spotlight of the 2024 assembly elections in Bihar—a region that has become a barometer for Modi’s broader appeal at home and abroad.

The print article on The Print – “Social media popularity down, Bihar elections loom as a litmus test for PM Modi’s global media” – analyses the statistical backdrop to this decline, the strategic implications for the BJP, and how a set of closely linked articles help paint a fuller picture. The report draws on data from a range of analytics firms and cross‑references insights from other pieces about Bihar’s electoral dynamics, Modi’s global media strategy, and the role of the Indian diaspora.

1. The Data: Numbers That Speak Volumes

The article opens by presenting a series of charts that track social‑media engagement metrics over the past twelve months. Modi’s Twitter handle (@narendramodi) has seen a 12 % drop in average daily mentions, while his official Facebook page’s monthly reach has contracted by 7 %. Instagram stories featuring Modi’s campaign footage have fallen by a further 15 % compared to the same period last year.

Analysts cited in the article attribute the decline to a combination of factors: saturation of content, a shift in public interest toward other national issues, and a growing perception that the BJP’s messaging has become overly repetitive. A side‑by‑side comparison with the likes and comments on opposition leaders’ accounts shows a relative uptick, suggesting that voters are turning to alternative voices for fresh perspectives.

To corroborate these findings, the piece links to a separate The Print analysis titled “How data shows a shift in Indian political narratives on Twitter.” That article breaks down hashtag usage, sentiment analysis, and influencer reach, providing a more granular view of why certain campaign messages have lost traction.

2. Bihar: The Crucial Battleground

The heart of the article focuses on Bihar, a state that has emerged as a “litmus test” for the BJP’s national strategy. Historically a stronghold for the Janata Dal (United) and other regional parties, Bihar has been in the process of re‑aligning its political allegiances. In the 2020 elections, the BJP managed to secure 48 seats in the 243‑seat assembly, but it was clear that the party’s dominance was not guaranteed.

The Print piece cites recent exit polls that suggest the BJP’s vote share could dip to 35–40 % if it fails to rejuvenate its digital outreach. The article also references a study published by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) that examines voter turnout patterns in Bihar’s rural constituencies. That study found that digital engagement directly influences voter mobilization in villages where mobile internet usage has risen sharply.

Through a series of links, the article pulls in expert commentary from political strategists who emphasize that Bihar’s electorate is not only looking for charismatic leadership but also tangible development outcomes. The “litmus test” metaphor is underscored by the fact that a win in Bihar could solidify Modi’s domestic standing and reinforce his image abroad as a decisive, development‑driven leader.

3. Global Media’s Lens on Modi

Parallel to the domestic narrative, the article discusses how Modi’s popularity abroad – especially within the Indian diaspora – is being affected by the same digital dip. A significant portion of the piece is dedicated to the impact of Modi’s global media strategy, which includes frequent appearances on international news outlets, strategic use of diaspora-targeted social‑media campaigns, and engagement with key global influencers.

It references an earlier The Print feature that reviewed Modi’s performance on platforms such as BBC News, CNN, and Al Jazeera, highlighting the contrast between the “heroic” image portrayed in domestic narratives and the more nuanced coverage that focuses on India’s foreign policy, trade agreements, and internal challenges. The article suggests that a perceived decline in online popularity could influence how these outlets frame Modi in the run‑up to the Bihar elections.

4. Tactical Shifts: What’s Next for the BJP?

The concluding section of the article speculates on the strategic adjustments the BJP might undertake. Analysts predict an intensification of content creation targeting younger voters, with a focus on multimedia storytelling and interactive polls. The party is expected to pivot toward “issue‑based” messaging that emphasizes agricultural reforms, digital infrastructure, and job creation – all of which resonate strongly with Bihar’s electorate.

Additionally, the BJP may lean more heavily on its regional allies, like the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner, the Janata Dal (United), to consolidate support bases. A link to a The Print interview with a senior BJP strategist reveals that “digital fatigue” is a genuine concern, and the party plans to counter it by promoting high‑quality, human‑interest stories that can rekindle voter engagement.

5. The Take‑away

The article paints a comprehensive picture: Modi’s digital popularity is on a downward curve, a trend that could have ripple effects both within India and on the global stage. Bihar’s forthcoming assembly elections, with their historical significance and evolving political dynamics, stand as a potential turning point. Success—or failure—will be judged by the BJP’s ability to translate online sentiment into votes, and by the global media’s continued narrative of Modi as a transformative, development‑oriented leader.

For readers keen to delve deeper, the article offers a network of interlinking pieces that explore the underlying data, contextualize Bihar’s unique electoral environment, and dissect the complexities of Modi’s worldwide media presence. Together, these resources provide a multi‑layered view of a pivotal moment in India’s political journey, one that is as much about digital relevance as it is about governance.