Social media to reaach out to smart voters in Odisha

Use of social media is nothing new in elections, but it seems to have become an ideal vehicle to reach out to the 'Smart' voters during the panchayat polls in Odisha's Ganjam.
"Besides door-to-door campaigning, I will like to keep in touch with the people in my area through social media sites," said Sarita Nayak, a former lecturer, who wants to contest from a zilla parishad seat in Rangeilunda block.
Nayak, who aspires for a BJP ticket for next month's polls, has even developed her own website and using the social media to keep in touch with youngsters.
"In the last elections, I had also used social media and will do so this time too", said Nivedita Pradhan, a zilla parishad member of the ruling BJD in Sheragada block. This time, she wants to contest as samiti member from Takarada gram panchayat.

"Most youngsters have smartphones and are active on the net. We think it is the best way to connect with them in our panchayat," said Niranjan Mohanty, who wants to contest as samiti member in Digapahandi block.
Social media is the cheapest medium of campaigning compared to leaflets and posters. "I have already touched the voters on my social media sites. During electioneering, I hope this will help me a lot and impact the election," said Sanatan Sangram Singh, one of the aspirants for samiti member from Baulajholi panchayat in Digapahandi block.
The State Election Commission limited election expenditure for sarpanch to Rs 50,000. "The amount is very less. We prefer social media is the cheapest form to stay in touch with voters during elections," said Rath.

The elections for 69 zilla parishad members, 503 sarpanch and same number of samiti members and 7,106 ward members in 22 blocks will be held in five phases from February 13 to 21. Filing of nominations started from Wednesday.