BJP expands Instagram campaign to connect with young voters after NEET controversy

The BJP has significantly increased its presence on Instagram as part of a broader effort to engage younger audiences following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

The push follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported suggestion that Union ministers make greater use of Instagram reels to communicate with students and young citizens.

The renewed focus comes after student protests over the examination issue highlighted the growing influence of Instagram in shaping public opinion.

The Cockroach Janta Party, which emerged earlier this year as an online satirical movement, has rapidly built a large following on the platform.

Prime Minister Modi has recently shared several selfie-style videos thanking young people for their suggestions on examination reforms. His Instagram account reportedly gained around one million followers after one such video posted during the protests.

The BJP’s official Instagram handle has also been publishing reels related to examination reforms, alleged paper leak cases and parliamentary discussions surrounding anti-cheating legislation.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi has used the platform to promote the government’s measures against examination malpractice, including the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, while calling for a constructive debate on the issue.

Several senior BJP leaders, including J.P. Nadda, Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju and Nirmala Sitharaman, have also sharply increased their social media activity in recent days, sharing videos and messages focused on examination reforms, parliamentary proceedings and the government’s response to paper leak concerns.