Congress to train their Spokespersons for the New Social Media Landscape

In my report dated 19th July 2013 I wrote about congress planning to hire 50 Social Media experts to help them with their online campaign for the 2014 general election. They seem to have taken a step further. Congress is holding a two-day media conclave in New-Delhi.

DNA India reported on Congress opening Khidki to take on opposition in media war. Their report included:

The two-day media conclave of Congress will begin in New Delhi on Monday seeking to tone up its communication strategy in states and to propagate UPA’s achievements among the masses for the 2014 elections. They will be training their spokespersons, television panelists and select state leaders on how to handle conventional print and television media, as well as the new social media landscape.

Congress communication workshop starting today. http://t.co/kEs1tGCTMo

— Indian YouthCongress (@Ind_Youth_Cong) July 22, 2013

The conclave will be attended by 10 party leaders from each state, representatives of the Youth Congress and the party’s student wing National Students Union of India (NSUI) as also those appearing in the panel discussions on TV. The sessions will be held in the Constitution Club where participants will break up into 10 groups for round-table discussions on different subjects.

The Cong. Communication department convenes a 2 day workshop to train party-men from all states to effectively convey the party msg. #Khidki

— Indian YouthCongress (@Ind_Youth_Cong) July 22, 2013

Few speakers have been identified to prepare spokespersons on different subjects for a media blitzkrieg. Union ministers Jairam Ramesh and Prof KV Thomas will address the first session along with Dr Mohan Gopal to apprise them about the food security ordinance. A separate session has been allotted for teaching skills of social media as a tool of communication.

The second day workshop will begin with a lecture by Delhi Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit and his team on research methodology and linkages with the AICC, while the party’s TV panelist Sanjay Jha will speak on “dos and don’ts” for speaking on electronic media.

The last session on “communication challenges” will be conducted by minister of state for HRD, Mr. Shashi Tharoor, using the video conferencing facility.

Congress is working on it's plan to indulge Social Media in its political campaign but will teaching the spokesperson how to handle media really get them votes?