Preneeta Sharma
Shimla
The Himachal Pradesh Congress’s decision to bar party leaders and office-bearers from making statements on social media without prior approval has triggered criticism from political opponents and sections of the public, who have questioned what they describe as a contradictory approach towards social platforms.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of the ongoing International Summer Festival in Shimla, where social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have emerged as key tools for publicity and public outreach. Influencers and content creators have been actively sharing festival-related content, helping authorities expand the event’s social reach.
Critics argue that while the government and administration are encouraging extensive promotion of public events through social media, Congress leaders are being asked to exercise restraint and seek permission before posting or commenting on political matters online.
The Congress leadership has defended the directive as a measure aimed at maintaining party discipline and preventing internal disagreements from playing out in public. The move follows recent controversies involving comments made by party functionaries on social media.
However, opposition leaders have seized on the issue, alleging that the ruling party is attempting to control political narratives while continuing to benefit from the influence and reach of the very platforms it now treats with caution.
Political observers say the development reflects a broader tension within political parties over the role of social media. While social platforms have become indispensable for governance, public engagement and event promotion, they have also made it harder for party leaderships to regulate individual voices and maintain message discipline.
The debate has sharpened during the Summer Festival, with critics questioning whether social media is being embraced as a tool for public communication only when it serves official objectives, while being viewed differently when used by party leaders to express independent opinions.
The Congress has maintained that the advisory is not a restriction on social media itself, but an internal organizational measure intended to ensure that party positions are communicated through authorized channels.
