Inside the BJP-RSS Digital Machinery: How India’s Most Powerful Political Network Shapes Online Narratives

 

---

Inside the BJP-RSS Digital Machinery: How India’s Most Powerful Political Network Shapes Online Narratives

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have built one of the most sophisticated political “digital armies” in the world. What began in the mid‑2000s as a handful of social media volunteers has grown into a massive, multi‑layered ecosystem encompassing in‑house teams, marquee ad agencies, boutique specialists and grassroots “shakha” networks — all coordinated to shape narratives, amplify messaging and mobilize voters across India’s 1.4 billion population.

BJP IT Cell: The In‑House Engine
 Founded in 2007, the BJP IT Cell was the first Indian party unit to treat social media as a core campaigning arm. By 2014, it had formalized operations under then‑convenor Arvind Gupta and head Amit Malviya, building a manpower pipeline that today claims over 5,000 core workers at state and district levels, supported by some 150,000 social‑media operatives spreading targeted posts across WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook. Wikipedia, Wired .In routine election cycles, these teams deploy data analytics and micro‑targeted messaging — often via proprietary apps like SARAL — to reach up to 100,000 voters per day with campaign updates, policy pitches and get‑out‑the‑vote reminders Source.

 While the IT Cell handles grassroots mobilization, the BJP also contracts top industry players for broad‑reach campaigns:

• Madison Media: Retained since 2014 for nationwide media planning and buying across print, TV and radio Source1, Source2
• McCann Worldgroup–TAG & Scarecrow M&C Saatchi: Awarded creative and digital mandates ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, overseeing everything from influencer tie‑ups to outdoor hoardings Source1, Source2.
• SEO Corporation, Ogilvy & Mather, Soho Square: Handled early digital advertising, social‑media blogging and localized outreach in 2014, with senior BJP leaders personally acknowledging their contributions Source1, Source2.

Boutique Specialists & Grassroots Tools
 Beyond the big names, the BJP’s digital playbook employs:

• Meme‑Marketing Agencies (e.g., Acquaint Consultants): Tasked with crafting viral memes around trending topics — spending on Google ads alone topped ₹5.37 crore in a recent 30‑day window, with Meta ad spends of ₹1.31 crore Source
• VivaConnect’s “LiveTalk”: A voice‑broadcast service used in 2014 to stream Narendra Modi’s speeches into “media‑dark” rural households via regular phone calls; it reached over a million callers for the Prime Minister’s oath‑taking ceremony en.wikipedia.org.
• Secret “War Rooms”: Data teams like those set up by Sapiens Research to mobilize 12.5 million female voters in 2024 — leveraging call centers, WhatsApp and village‑level self‑help groups to track and engage constituents door‑to‑door wired.com.

RSS Digital Infrastructure & Volunteer Mobilization
 Parallel to the BJP’s IT Cell, the RSS is revamping its own digital training and outreach:

• Digital “Shakhas”: In late 2023, RSS organised “digital shakha” workshops for 150 influencers, equipping them with IT Cell‑style messaging playbooks to amplify pro‑Modi content across social platforms thetimes.co.uk.
• Shakha App: Since 2020, roughly 1.5 lakh volunteers in the Kashi Prant have adopted a nine‑module “Shakha” mobile app — covering everything from daily drills to offline event coordination — to stay connected and “take up organisational activities” online timesofindia.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com.
• Volunteer Scale: The RSS reports over 37 lakh regular shakha attendances nationwide, with an additional 7.25 lakh join‑requests via its “Join RSS” portal between 2017–2022 — underscoring the Sangh’s digital embrace to bolster traditional ground‑game methods Source .

---

By integrating high‑tech campaign analytics, marquee agency firepower and deep volunteer networks — both BJP’s IT Cell and the RSS have effectively rewritten India’s playbook for voter outreach. As digital platforms evolve, these structures are likely to become even more granular, personalized and automated — raising both strategic possibilities and urgent questions about transparency, data privacy and the shaping of democratic discourse.

India and Pakistan as Proving Grounds for NATO and China’s Weapons: A Worrying Trend

 

India and Pakistan as Proving Grounds for NATO and China’s Weapons: A Worrying Trend

The recent flare-up between India and Pakistan, marked by intense aerial clashes, has raised a chilling concern: are these two South Asian neighbors becoming proxy battlegrounds for global powers like NATO and China to test their advanced weapons and fighter jets without direct confrontation? The reported downing of Indian Air Force (IAF) Dassault Rafale jets — built by France, a NATO member — by Pakistan’s Chinese-made Chengdu J-10C fighters equipped with PL-15 missiles highlights a troubling dynamic. While these reports remain unconfirmed, the implications are clear: global powers may be using regional conflicts to refine their military technology, exacerbating tensions in an already volatile region.

The India-Pakistan Conflict as a Testing Ground

In May 2025, the skies over Kashmir became a battleground for one of the most significant air engagements in decades, with India’s Operation Sindoor targeting alleged militant sites in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) claimed to have shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including up to three Rafales, using J-10C jets armed with PL-15E missiles. Though India has not officially confirmed these losses, photographic evidence of Rafale wreckage and statements from Western sources, including U.S. officials and a French intelligence report cited by CNN, lend credence to Pakistan’s claims.

This clash was not just a regional skirmish but a rare real-world test of advanced NATO and Chinese military hardware. The Rafale, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, is equipped with cutting-edge systems like the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, designed to counter sophisticated threats. The J-10C, also a 4.5-generation jet, features advanced AESA radar and long-range PL-15 missiles, positioning it as a formidable adversary. The reported success of the J-10C, particularly its alleged ability to jam Rafale systems or outrange its Meteor missiles, has sparked global interest.

NATO and China’s Strategic Interests

For NATO members like France, the Rafale’s performance — or lack thereof — against Chinese technology is a wake-up call. Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s manufacturer, reportedly plans to make adjustments to the jet following the conflict, though it has not officially confirmed these changes. The company’s stock plummeted nearly 10% in the days after the reported losses, reflecting market sensitivity to the jet’s battlefield performance. France’s refusal to share Rafale source code with India, coupled with its push to audit IAF maintenance and pilot training, suggests an effort to deflect blame while quietly analyzing combat data to improve the platform.

China, meanwhile, has emerged as a major beneficiary. The J-10C’s reported success has boosted the credibility of Chinese defense exports, with Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s shares rising over 30% post-conflict. Chinese strategists, like former PLA Air Force Colonel Wang Xiangsui, argue that Pakistan’s edge came not just from hardware but from superior data-link integration, a lesson China is likely to apply to its own forces. Pakistan’s standardized fleet of Chinese-built jets and early warning systems allowed seamless coordination, unlike India’s mix of Russian, French, and indigenous platforms. China is almost certainly requesting flight records, system logs, and combat data from Pakistan to refine its jets and missiles, particularly for potential future conflicts in the Indo-Pacific, such as over Taiwan.

Both NATO and China gain valuable insights without firing a shot themselves. For NATO, the clash exposes vulnerabilities in Western systems against Chinese technology, prompting upgrades to counter PL-15 missiles and electronic warfare tactics. For China, it validates its investments in affordable, high-performance platforms, enhancing its appeal as a defense supplier.

The Cost to India and Pakistan

While global powers refine their arsenals, India and Pakistan bear the human and economic costs. The 2025 clashes, sparked by a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, escalated rapidly, with both sides exchanging artillery, drone strikes, and missile attacks. Pakistan claimed to have downed 25 Indian drones, while India deployed 120 Israeli Harop-2 kamikaze drones against Pakistani air defenses. The conflict disrupted civilian life, postponed national exams in India, and deepened mistrust between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

This dynamic incentivizes further militarization. India, already operating 36 Rafales, is pursuing a $15 billion deal for 114 more jets, with the Rafale as a frontrunner. Pakistan, bolstered by China’s subsidized arms, is reportedly set to receive J-35A stealth fighters, potentially shifting the regional balance. Each escalation draws both nations deeper into the orbit of their respective suppliers, who profit from arms sales while gathering combat data.

Worse, the use of India and Pakistan as testing grounds could increase the frequency and intensity of conflicts. Social media posts on X suggest growing awareness of this trend, with users noting that China is “testing its military hardware” through Pakistan, while NATO observes the results. The prospect of India and Pakistan becoming perennial battlegrounds for proxy weapons testing risks destabilizing South Asia, where miscalculations could lead to catastrophic consequences given both nations’ nuclear capabilities.

A Call for Restraint

The India-Pakistan conflict is more than a regional rivalry; it’s a stage for global powers to pit their technologies against each other. NATO and China’s indirect competition, while strategically convenient, comes at the expense of South Asian stability. To break this cycle, India and Pakistan must prioritize diplomacy over escalation, resisting the pressure to serve as proxies for foreign arms races. International actors, including the U.S. and UN, should mediate to prevent further clashes and curb the flow of advanced weapons into the region.

For now, the skies over Kashmir remain a cautionary tale: a local conflict with global stakes, where the real winners are those analyzing the wreckage from afar. As one X user put it, “India/Pakistan was a test of Chinese air weapons vs Western air weapons,” and the outcome may embolden further tests — unless the world acts to stop it.

Why India Should Adopt Baseless (Chained) Indices for Better Economic Measurement

 

---

Why India Should Adopt Baseless (Chained) Indexes for Better Economic Measurement

India’s economy is complex, fast-evolving, and increasingly digitized. Yet, many of its core economic indicators — like GDP and inflation — are still calculated using fixed-base indexes. While these served well in the past, chained (baseless) indexes are now the global standard for measuring real economic growth and inflation with greater accuracy. The shift to chained indexes is not just a technical upgrade — it is a policy necessity.

---

What Are Chained (Baseless) Indexes?

Chained indexes use changing weights from one period to the next, capturing dynamic changes in the economy (like consumption patterns or sectoral growth). This contrasts with fixed-base indexes, which use a single base year, assuming the economy remains structurally static.

Why Chained Indexes Matter

What Do Advanced Economies Use?

These nations use chained indexes as default for their national accounts and inflation figures, improving policy targeting and economic forecasting.

---

How India Can Implement Chained Indexes

1. GDP — Chained Volume Measures

Methodology:

• Use annual or quarterly weighting instead of a fixed base year.
• Calculate real GDP as a chain index using:
• Laspeyres-type or Fisher-type formulas.
• Inter-year linking (e.g., 2022 based on 2021, 2023 based on 2022, etc.)
• Use SNA 2008 guidelines already recommended by the UN.

Implementation Steps:

• CSO/National Statistical Office (NSO) must:
• Develop a consistent time series of annual weights.
• Ensure sectoral disaggregation is compatible with chaining.
• Revise the National Accounts Manual to support chaining.

2. Inflation — Chained CPI

Methodology:

• Update consumer expenditure weights more frequently (yearly or biennially).
• Use Chained Laspeyres or Fisher indexes.
• Introduce real-time price substitution modeling (e.g., if oil rises, gas stove usage rises).

Implementation Steps:

• Conduct annual or rolling household consumption surveys.
• Update weights based on actual shifts in urban and rural consumption.
• Train inflation analysts in dynamic index modeling.

---

Benefits for India

✅ More Accurate Measurement

• Reflects actual economic structure, especially in services, digital and informal sectors.

✅ Better Policy Design

• RBI and Finance Ministry can target inflation and growth based on real behavior, not outdated assumptions.

✅ Credibility in Global Rankings

• Aligns India with IMF and OECD standards.
• Improves global investor confidence and data reliability.

✅ Handles Economic Shocks Better

• Captures shifts like demonetization, COVID-19, and tech adoption far more accurately.

---

Conclusion

Adopting chained indexes is a technical reform with massive strategic value. As India eyes a $5 trillion economy, our measurement tools must match our ambitions. The move to chained GDP and CPI indexes will ensure that our data reflects our true economic reality, guiding smarter policy and better governance.

The Fine Line Between Misinformation and Disinformation in India: A Deliberate Game of Deception

 According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024, India ranks as the country most at risk of misinformation, a crisis that threatens social cohesion, political stability, and trust in institutions. However, a closer examination reveals that much of what is labeled as misinformation in India is, in fact, disinformation—deliberately spread falsehoods where the propagators are fully aware of their falsity but choose to disseminate them for strategic gain. This distinction, rooted in intent, is critical to understanding the dynamics of India’s information ecosystem, where political propaganda often masquerades as innocent error.

Misinformation vs. Disinformation: The Intent Divide

Misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared without the intent to deceive—think of an individual unknowingly sharing a fabricated news story or a misleading health remedy. Disinformation, on the other hand, is the deliberate spread of falsehoods, where the sharer knows the information is false but propagates it to achieve a specific agenda, often political or ideological. In India’s hyper-polarized digital landscape, the line between these two is frequently blurred, with disinformation often cloaked in the guise of misinformation to evade accountability.

The WEF report highlights India’s vulnerability due to its massive digital population—over 800 million internet users—and widespread access to smartphones and social media platforms like WhatsApp, X, and Instagram. These platforms amplify information at unprecedented speeds, but they also provide fertile ground for bad actors to exploit. What sets India apart is not just the scale of false information but the orchestrated nature of its spread, often driven by political motives.

The Disinformation Playbook: Pretending Innocence

In India, disinformation is frequently dressed up as misinformation, with propagators feigning ignorance to dodge responsibility. Political operatives, influencers, and even ordinary citizens knowingly share fabricated narratives, doctored images, or out-of-context videos, all while maintaining a veneer of sincerity. This tactic—what one right-wing X user euphemistically called “positive auxiliary assistance”—is designed to manipulate public opinion while shielding the perpetrator from accusations of malice.

Take, for instance, the recurring phenomenon of viral WhatsApp forwards during election seasons. Messages claiming exaggerated economic achievements, demonizing opposition leaders, or stoking communal tensions often circulate with no verifiable source. These are not innocent mistakes; they are crafted to inflame sentiments and polarize voters. The sharers—whether party-affiliated IT cells or motivated individuals—know the information is dubious but bank on plausible deniability, claiming they “didn’t know” or were simply “sharing what they received.”

A notable example is the 2019 Indian general election, where doctored videos and false narratives about opposition leaders’ statements spread like wildfire. Fact-checking organizations like Alt News repeatedly exposed these as deliberate fabrications, yet the perpetrators rarely faced consequences, often hiding behind the excuse of being “unaware” of the falsehood. Similarly, during the 2020 Delhi riots, disinformation campaigns amplified communal tensions, with false claims about violence or migrant movements shared by accounts that later claimed ignorance when confronted.

The Motive: Political Propaganda Over Truth

The driving force behind India’s disinformation epidemic is political propaganda. In a country with deep ideological divides and a history of communal sensitivities, false narratives are weaponized to sway elections, vilify opponents, or consolidate power. Deep down, many propagators know their claims are baseless but are indifferent to the truth, prioritizing political loyalty over ethics. This is evident in the coordinated campaigns run by political IT cells, which churn out tailored disinformation to target specific demographics—rural voters, urban youth, or religious communities.

The X user’s term “positive auxiliary assistance” captures this mindset perfectly: disinformation is framed as a noble act, a means to bolster a cause or “protect” a narrative. This euphemism reflects a broader cultural acceptance among some groups that bending the truth is justified if it serves a higher ideological purpose. Such rationalizations are particularly prevalent in India’s polarized online spaces, where right-wing, left-wing, and regional factions all engage in selective storytelling to advance their agendas.

The Role of Social Media and Technology

India’s disinformation problem is exacerbated by the architecture of social media. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it a black box for tracking the origins of false messages, while X’s algorithmic amplification rewards sensationalism over accuracy. Bots and fake accounts further muddy the waters, creating the illusion of grassroots support for fabricated narratives. According to a 2023 study by the University of Oxford, India is among the top countries for coordinated inauthentic behavior on social media, with political actors leveraging troll armies to spread disinformation.

Deepfakes and AI-generated content are emerging threats, adding sophistication to disinformation campaigns. In 2024, a deepfake video of a prominent Indian politician making inflammatory remarks went viral, only to be debunked after significant damage. The creators, linked to a political fringe group, claimed it was a “prank,” but the intent to mislead was clear.

The Consequences and the Way Forward

The consequences of this disinformation epidemic are profound. It erodes trust in institutions, fuels communal violence, and undermines democratic processes. The 2024 WEF report warns that unchecked disinformation could destabilize India’s social fabric, especially in a year with national and state elections looming.

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. First, stricter regulation of social media platforms is needed, with mandates for transparency in content moderation and swift removal of verified disinformation. Second, public awareness campaigns must educate citizens on spotting false narratives and verifying sources. Fact-checking organizations like Boom and Alt News play a crucial role but need greater support to scale their efforts. Finally, legal accountability for deliberate disinformation—without stifling free speech—is essential to deter bad actors.

Conclusion

India’s status as the world’s most at-risk nation for misinformation is not just a product of scale but of intent. Much of the false information circulating is not innocent misinformation but deliberate disinformation, propagated by those who know the truth but choose to weaponize lies for political gain. By pretending to act in good faith, these actors evade accountability, framing their actions as “positive auxiliary assistance” rather than the corrosive propaganda they are. Unmasking this deception is the first step toward reclaiming India’s information ecosystem and safeguarding its democratic future

The Contradiction of LGBTQ+ Rights in India: Navigating Religion, Culture, and Law

India’s LGBTQ+ Rights Paradox: Balancing Culture, Religion, and Politics

In recent years, the discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in India has revealed a striking contradiction—some might even call it hypocrisy—in how the Indian government and institutions address these rights in the context of religion, culture, and law. While the government often portrays Hinduism as an inherently inclusive and tolerant tradition, its legal and political actions frequently tell a different story, particularly when it comes to recognizing same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ+ rights. This dissonance between rhetoric and action raises critical questions about the interplay of tradition, modernity, and political strategy in shaping India’s stance on equality.

The Contradiction: Celebrating Tolerance, Denying Rights

Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, frequently point to Hinduism’s inclusive legacy when addressing global audiences or during symbolic moments like Pride Month. Ancient texts and art, such as the erotic carvings at Khajuraho and Konark temples or the Kama Sutra’s references to non-heterosexual relationships, are celebrated as evidence of India’s progressive past. Mythological figures like Ardhanarishvara, a deity embodying both male and female aspects, and Shikhandi, a gender-shifting character in the Mahabharata, further underscore this narrative of fluidity and acceptance.

However, this inclusive rhetoric falters in the courtroom. The government has consistently opposed legalizing same-sex marriage, arguing that it conflicts with India’s societal norms and the traditional, heterosexual definition of marriage. This stance seems at odds with the cultural heritage it claims to champion, raising questions about the sincerity of its commitment to inclusivity.

Why the Disconnect?

Several factors contribute to this apparent hypocrisy:

1. Selective Use of Tradition: If Hinduism embraces diversity, as the government often claims, then supporting same-sex unions should be a natural extension of that ethos. Instead, tradition is invoked to block legal progress, suggesting that cultural references are used more for optics than principle.
2. Inconsistent Marriage Policies: The government endorses interfaith and inter-caste marriages through the Special Marriage Act, demonstrating flexibility for some unions. Yet, it denies similar rights to same-sex couples, claiming society isn’t ready. This double standard highlights a selective approach to equality.
3. Rhetoric for Different Audiences: Abroad, India promotes its cultural tolerance to burnish its global image. Domestically, however, conservative interpretations of tradition are used to resist policy changes, often echoing colonial-era moralities rather than Hinduism’s pluralistic roots.

The Political Underpinnings

The government’s cautious stance on LGBTQ+ rights is less about religion and more about political strategy:

• Appeasing Conservative Voters: With elections in mind, leaders prioritize the support of conservative, often rural, communities who may view LGBTQ+ rights as a challenge to traditional norms.
• Avoiding Controversy: Religious and social groups hold significant sway in India. Publicly endorsing same-sex marriage could spark backlash, which the government may wish to avoid.
• Pragmatism Over Principle: Even leaders who privately support inclusivity may hesitate to act, fearing political repercussions. This creates a gap between personal beliefs and public policy.

A Path Forward

To resolve this contradiction, India could draw on its own cultural heritage to support progressive policies. Legalizing same-sex marriage would align with the inclusivity found in Hindu traditions while advancing equality under the law. The government’s willingness to accommodate interfaith and inter-caste marriages shows that extending similar rights to same-sex couples is feasible. Public awareness campaigns could help shift societal attitudes, fostering greater acceptance over time.

Conclusion

India’s claim of cultural inclusivity rings hollow when its legal system denies LGBTQ+ individuals the right to marry, citing the very traditions it celebrates. This contradiction reflects a broader tension between ancient pluralism and modern political caution. By aligning its policies with the inclusive spirit of its heritage, India can bridge this gap, ensuring that its actions match its words and that equality becomes a reality for all its citizens.