Activist calls for social media monitoring in U.P. election campaign

Activist Amitabh Thakur has called for immediate monitoring of social media exchanges between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Samajwadi Party as Uttar Pradesh gears up for Assembly polls, citing concerns over unregulated online political messaging.

Thakur, associated with civil society organization Azad Adhikar Sena, warned that digital platforms have become conduits for electoral malpractice, with political parties increasingly resorting to inflammatory and unlawful content during campaign seasons.

The activist announced that his organization will undertake independent monitoring of social media platforms to track potentially illegal political propaganda. Azad Adhikar Sena said it would file formal complaints and pursue appropriate legal action against violations of electoral conduct norms.

The push for social media surveillance during the U.P. campaign underscores growing concerns among civic groups about the spread of unverified claims and inflammatory material on digital platforms during election periods. Electoral watchdogs have previously highlighted the challenges in regulating political content across multiple social media channels.

Thakur's appeal comes as the Election Commission continues to grapple with monitoring digital campaigning across India's most populous state, where electoral contests have historically witnessed intense political competition.