Archive · 18 Aug 2026
BJP's New IT Cell Chief Deepak Mhaskey Prioritizes Instagram Reels
A big political party in India called the BJP has a special team that manages its social media, called the IT Cell.
A new person, Deepak Mhaskey, is now in charge of this team.
He took over from Amit Malviya, who led the party's digital work for more than ten years.
Mhaskey says his biggest focus will be Instagram, because many young people in India use the app.
He plans to make short videos called reels to share information about government policies.
He also wants to reach young people through the party's youth wing and at the local booth level.
Mhaskey wants to stop what he calls 'foreign propaganda' and fake news by sharing correct facts.
He says the law should be used against content that insults people or spreads false information.
Mhaskey says he is not replacing Malviya but carrying forward his work, and he will meet BJP president Nitin Nabin on August 22.
Deepak Mhaskey has succeeded Amit Malviya as the head of the BJP's IT Cell after Malviya's decade-long digital charge.
Mhaskey says Instagram is the party's priority, with government policy messages delivered through reels to reach young voters.
The party will tailor content by generation and platform, expanding its social media presence down to the booth level.
Countering what he calls 'foreign propaganda' and reporting accounts spreading fake narratives will be a major focus, with legal action where laws are violated.
Mhaskey will meet BJP president Nitin Nabin on August 22 to discuss digital strategy ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
- Who
- Deepak Mhaskey, the new head of the BJP IT Cell, who succeeded Amit Malviya
- What
- Mhaskey outlined the party's social media strategy, prioritizing Instagram reels, Gen-Z outreach, booth-level presence, and countering misinformation
- When
- August 18, 2026, shortly after his elevation; a meeting with party president Nitin Nabin is scheduled for August 22
- Where
- India, within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- Why
- To connect with young voters who are active on Instagram and prepare for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections
Critics
BJP / IT Cell Chief
BJP social media tactics
Critics
Critics allege the BJP uses trolling, fake news and personal attacks as part of its social media strategy.
BJP / IT Cell Chief
Mhaskey rejects the allegations, saying there is 'nothing like that' and such tactics are not in the BJP's ideology; the party only counters confusion with facts.
Government monitoring of social media
Critics
Some view the government's increasing monitoring of social media platforms as a threat to freedom of expression.
BJP / IT Cell Chief
Mhaskey calls monitoring a necessary step, arguing freedom of expression does not mean a licence to insult people or spread misinformation.
- New IT Cell Head
- Deepak Mhaskey
- Predecessor
- Amit Malviya, who led BJP's digital charge for over a decade
- Party President
- Nitin Nabin
- Home State
- Chhattisgarh
- Main Focus
- Instagram reels for government policy content
- Target Audience
- Gen Z and young voters
- Other Priority
- Countering 'foreign propaganda' and fake narratives
- Next Meeting
- August 22 with Nitin Nabin
