Bhubaneswar, Odisha: BJD Digital Army has undergone a major revamp as the opposition party in Odisha reshapes its social media and IT wing. The step aims to boost digital outreach and counter the growing online push by rival parties, positioning BJD Digital Army at the forefront of this transformation.
The party announced the decision after a top-level review meeting as a key step before the upcoming by-elections and the 2029 general polls, where digital campaigns are expected to play a bigger role. This highlights the strategic role of the BJD Digital Army in shaping electoral outcomes.
With BJP rapidly growing its digital presence in Odisha, BJD leaders felt the party could no longer depend only on its strong ground network. They saw the need to reorganize, bringing the BJD Digital Army to the center of their online strategy.
Opposition campaigns online remain sharp, fast, and often misleading, forcing BJD to respond. The 2029 general election will likely see the highest use of social media in shaping public opinion. Many first-time voters now consume politics mainly through digital platforms. Leaders also admitted the party often reacted to narratives set by rivals rather than leading them. The enhanced capabilities of the BJD Digital Army aim to change this dynamic.
To change this, BJD formed a new central command team in Bhubaneswar. Each district unit now has a digital media in-charge reporting directly to the state office.
The new structure focuses on real-time fact-checking to fight fake news. The party will hold training camps for young volunteers on WhatsApp group handling, short videos, and live campaign updates, leveraging the skills within the BJD Digital Army.
This move counters BJP’s fast growth in Odisha’s online space. The saffron party already deploys thousands of digital workers across mandals and panchayats.
Congress has also revived its digital drive, putting youth voters at the center of its strategy.
BJD’s plan links booth-level committees with WhatsApp-based communication. Villagers now receive videos, infographics, and scheme updates on their phones. This also helps in quick mobilization during protests, campaigns, or relief work.
The strategy further includes regional-language podcasts, YouTube shows on success stories, and direct work with youth influencers and content creators. A rapid-response team will reply within minutes to opposition posts online, an initiative spearheaded by the BJD Digital Army.
