Srinagar, Jan. 22 -- Democracy has never been a static idea. It has evolved with time, technology, and social change. From handwritten ballots to electronic voting machines, from town-hall debates to televised campaigns, every era has reshaped the way citizens engage with political power. In the 21st century, social media has emerged as the most influential - and controversial - force redefining electoral politics. It has not merely changed how elections are fought; it has altered how political opinions are formed, reinforced, and mobilized. In India, where diversity, scale, and political complexity converge, social media's influence on elections is profound and unprecedented.

Until recently, electoral politics was largely mediated by tr...