BJP, Economy Dominated Facebook Chatter Ahead of Gujarat Elections

Congress was the second-most talked-about party in context of both Himachal, as well as Gujarat polls.

Image used for representation purpose.

(Photo: The Quint)

Based on data shared by Facebook India, ‘economy’ was the most discussed issue and BJP the most discussed political party around the Gujarat and Himachal elections. The infographics shared by Facebook show the top candidates, political parties and issues being talked about on Facebook from 12 October to 12 December.

According to the statistics, among political candidates, Virbhadra Singh and Vijay Rupani were talked about the most during the election frenzy.

Screenshot of statistics collated by Facebook.(Photo Courtesy: Facebook India)

What Was Top of Mind in Himachal?

With the Himachal Pradesh elections, most of the engagement, 38%, revolved around the ‘economy’. 21% was around ‘law and order’, 11% around ‘defence’, 10% around ‘education’ and 8% was around ‘social issues.’ Virbhadra Singh was the most talked-about Himachal candidate on Facebook, dominating 31% of discussions, followed by Prem Kumar Dhumal, who claimed 26%.

BJP was the most discussed party with 60% engagement, Congress stood a predictable second with 40%.

What Gets Tongues Wagging Around Gujarat Polls

Amid the chatter about Gujarat, 40% of the engagement revolved around ‘economy’, 20% around ‘law and order’, 13% around ‘defence’, 11% around ‘education’ and 6% around ‘health’ – numbers very similar to those of Himachal Pradesh. Vijay Rupani was the most discussed candidate with 74% engagement, while Jignesh Mevani stood second with 23%, and Alpesh Thakor brought up the rear with 4%.

Here too, BJP was the most discussed party, with 69% engagement and Congress secured second place with 31%.

These Facebook statistics were somewhat reflected in the poll results on Monday, 18 November, albeit not entirely, with BJP leading in both states.

While Congress put up a good fight in Gujarat, Himachal was not a great show for them owing to anti-incumbency in the state.

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