Modi only leader to understand power of social media: Suresh Prabhu

Bengaluru:  Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Sunday that the only leader in the country, or even in the world, who has used the social media and its power for the good of the people, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delivering the inaugural address at the Bharat Niti Conclave on “Democracy, Good Governance and Social Media”, organised by the FKCCI, Mr Prabhu said that Mr Modi could overcome anti-incumbency as Gujarat chief minister three times, as he used the social media effectively to stay close to the people.

“He understood the power of participation of the people. When he faced the last election, everybody, who claimed to be a champion of democratic rights, ganged up against him. But Mr Modi won even that election comfortably, since he had the direct link with the people, than through motivated intermediators. The direct link helped him understand, communicate, get the feedback and work on it,'' Mr Prabhu said.

“Democracy has taken deep roots and one of the principal contributors for this second wave of democracy in India is social media,'' he noted.

Stating that the use of social media has increased the popularity of Mr Modi, Mr Prabhu said, “In 2014, they said Mr Modi’s popularity was at its peak. It is rising and he has to see new heights. If anyone wants proof of that then it would be difficult. Mother cannot prove that the child loves her. It is a feeling, without realising it. It is the essence of good governance.”

Supporting Mr Modi's idea of simultaneous elections to all the states and Parliament, Mr Prabhu said that people's participation over each government decision through referendum is necessary.

Countries like Switzerland and Britain have this system. If Parliament had to vote for Brexit, they would have voted against it, but people voted for it. However, it is impossible for a country like India.

As it is, there are so many elections every year. That is the reason, the Prime Minister has suggested one nation, one election, he said, adding that the social media gives an opinion on what people of India want.

Taking a dig at the mainstream media, Mr Prabhu said that there are other streams of media, which already know what people want. With social media, it is a great opportunity for India to ride the new wave and make democracy actually work, he said.