Social Media Brand Management for Political Leaders: The Assam Playbook

Meg O’Hara in a snowy landscape

In today’s political reality, social media is not just a platform. It is the main stage. For political leaders in Assam, it has become a powerful medium to communicate vision, counter opposition, and shape public perception. The digital voice of a leader now carries as much weight as their speech at a rally or a statement in the Assembly.

Case Study 1: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Storyteller of Governance

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has developed a commanding digital presence. His style is consistent, culturally rooted, and development-focused.

What defines his strategy:

  • He posts regularly about government work, public welfare schemes, and ground-level progress.
  • His content celebrates Assamese culture and tradition, creating a strong emotional bond with the people.
  • He uses Assamese, Hindi, and English to ensure accessibility for all audiences across the state and beyond.

A defining example was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. He used X as a real-time helpline, personally responding to citizens, coordinating health infrastructure, and setting an example in digital crisis management. His approach built trust across demographic and political lines.

Case Study Image

Case Study 2: Ashok Singhal

The Crisis Communicator

Ashok Singhal, the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, brings a contrasting but equally effective style. His posts are bold, immediate, and unapologetically ideological.

Key pillars of his strategy:

  • He reacts swiftly to political events, often shaping the public narrative before others can respond.
  • His language is firm and emotionally charged, making his posts resonate in high-tension moments.
  • He connects state-level incidents with national-level sentiments, reinforcing the ideological line of the party.

Two standout moments illustrate his digital strategy.

In June 2025, he strongly condemned protestors who allegedly threw water bottles at the Chief Minister during a public appearance. He called it an act of organized anarchy, immediately framing the incident as a breakdown of democratic norms. The post drew widespread attention and reinforced a law-and-order message.

Earlier, in May 2025, he criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly echoing anti-national sentiment. The post went viral, with national media amplifying his message. It shifted a state-level issue into the national conversation on patriotism and security.

The impact is strategic. Singhal’s digital persona projects strength, ideological clarity, and readiness to confront challenges head-on. His audience views him as a protector of the party’s dignity and values.

The Assam Model

These two case studies highlight two distinct yet successful approaches to political brand-building on social media.

Artwork by Meg O'Hara

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma uses optimism, development, and cultural connection to shape a positive and inclusive narrative. Ashok Singhal uses sharp messaging, ideological strength, and timely response to take control of fast-moving political moments.

Both approaches work because they are authentic to the leader’s personality and political role. Both build visibility, trust, and loyalty.


Final Thought

In Assam, social media has become more than just a campaign tool. It is now a space where public image is built, leadership is demonstrated, and influence is exercised in real time. Political leaders who understand this have a clear edge.

To stay relevant, a political leader must not only be digitally present but also digitally powerful. The platform may be virtual, but the impact is very real.

Meg feels a "powerful" connection to the ice. © Mary Paquet/SOI Foundation

This is Poriborton: How Urban Chanakya Powered BTR’s Historic Employment Drive


On June 17, 2025, history was made in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The results of a large-scale teacher recruitment drive were declared – transparent, fair, and purely merit-based...


At the heart of this transformative event was Urban Chanakya, the team that not only ideated the end-to-end experience but also delivered a pioneering technological breakthrough within just 24 hours...


Here’s how it worked: Candidates were asked to submit their school preferences. As each candidate was called (strictly according to their rank...)...


It was a technological and logistical feat powered by precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to good governance.


Urban Chanakya didn’t just stop at the backend...


The visual identity, messaging, and event flow were crafted to reflect the BTR Government’s unwavering commitment...


In a moment of immense significance, Urban Chanakya delivered not just a campaign, but a system, a process, and a new standard...

Bodoland CEM Cup 2025: How Urban Chanakya Turned a Regional Tournament into Northeast India’s Loudest Roar to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi

jj

The first-ever Bodoland CEM Cup 2025 wasn’t just a football tournament – it was a movement...


The campaign began with a clear vision...

From design decks to final deliverables...

On digital platforms, the campaign came alive...


Such was the impact of Urban Chanakya’s powerful storytelling...

Then came the Grand Finale on 15th July at SAI Stadium...

As the sun set, fireworks lit up the Kokrajhar sky...

fghjk

Our Guwahati, Our Responsibility. – Urban Chanakya and GMC

Our Guwahati, Our Responsibility. – Urban Chanakya and GMC


In July 2024, Urban Chanakya partnered with Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC)...


Within just one year, Guwahati soared from Rank 402 to Rank 44...

✅ Cleanest City in the North East

✅ Promising City Award (East Zone)


At the heart of this success was a year-long digital storytelling strategy...


Each campaign turned routine municipal work...


From reels and infographics to live coverage...


Guwahati’s transformation is not just about better sanitation...


From 402 to 44. From overlooked to awarded...