Politicians in India have discovered social media with a vengeance. After the runaway success of the initial forays of a few, and abject failure of others to control free expression, the political herd is now aspiring to graze on the green pastures of facebook and twitter. Latest to hit the news is Ashok Gehlot, the Congress Chief Minister of Rajasthan – though not for the right reasons. He has apparently gained sudden popularity on facebook, attracting over one lakh followers in one month. The bad news is that he has more followers in Istanbul than in Jaipur. One had heard of politicians buying votes, but spending money to receive virtual ‘likes’ from people who are not even part of the electorate doesn’t indicate political acumen, or even common sense. Actually, … Read entire article »