ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN INDIAN POLITICS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The evolution of social media has explicitly transformed the perspective of Indian politics, creating both opportunities and challenges that somehow reshaped political communication, engagement, and mobilization. Social media has democratized information dissemination, allowing political actors to bypass traditional media and directly engage with the electorate. It has also facilitated grassroots mobilization, enabled real-time feedback, and fostered new forms of political participation, particularly among the youth. The paper examines these issues within the context of Indian elections, focusing on case studies that illustrate both the pros and cons effects of social media on democratic procedures. Moreover, it discusses the implications of social media for political transparency, accountability, and the future of electoral politics in India. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations to mitigate the risks associated with social media while maximizing its potential to enhance democratic governance in India.