'Pen chuno, kaam dekho': YouTuber’s electoral experiment for Delhi polls goes live
TNN | Feb 3, 2025, 10.56 AM IST
NEW DELHI: In a corner of Green Park, where Sunday shoppers usually haggle over prices, a different kind of pitch was being made. Meghnad S, better known for dissecting policies online than distributing pamphlets, took his first offline step into politics -- complete with a QR code that strived to bridge his digital fame with democratic aspirations.
In an era where social media influencers are increasingly stepping into the political arena, YouTube personality Meghnad made his electoral debut with a rally that showcased a unique blend of digital savvy and old-school campaigning.
Despite the modest turnout of 10-12 supporters, the independent candidate's campaign radiated determination as volunteers distributed pamphlets throughout the market area with slogans like "Pen chuno, kaam dekho" (choose the pen, see the work) and the quirky "teach the herd, vote for the nerd".
While Meghnad's campaign literature featured a QR code linking to his YouTube channel, his interactions with the locals maintained a light-hearted and engaging tone.
When questioned by TOI about the challenges of running as an independent candidate, Meghnad responded with conviction: "I take pride in being an independent candidate. My entire idea of contesting is to prove a point here, to make people understand that hyper-local leaders can best address issues of the people. I have no party bosses dictating me—my only boss is YOU, the people of Malviya Nagar."
He said while winning mattered, his primary goal was to preserve the democratic spirit. The campaign struck a chord with some residents, including 58-year-old Ravinder Kanwar. "In 2008, I also wanted to contest independently but didn't due to pressure and lack of confidence. People like Meghnad make me very happy because he is so comfortable, and it is very nice regardless of whether he wins," Kanwar said.
Interestingly, Meghnad's digital influence drew supporters from as far as Greater Noida and Noida. "I've been following his work since he was a journalist and then turned YouTuber. His videos are informative, and having a person like him contesting makes the electoral race very interesting," said Sarita, 50, who travelled to show her support.
A software engineer made the journey from Noida to attend the campaign rally. "I am a subscriber from the very beginning. I used to watch his videos and when I came across his post about his candidacy, I was very happy to come support him," he said.
Outlining his hyperlocal focus, Meghnad said: "My manifesto focuses specifically on Malviya Nagar and its people. I want to revive the sense of neighbourhood." He also detailed practical solutions to persistent issues: "Often, people speak about safety concerns in Delhi, with govts shifting blame over policing. This is where a hyper-local candidate comes in: I plan to establish specific officers who will enforce security measures and more."
A 50-year-old supporter used a cricket metaphor to emphasise the importance of diverse candidates in the electoral field" "If it's a one-sided match and there's no player like this, what enjoyment would the spectators get?"
The independent candidate's election symbol—a pen—carries special significance. According to him, it represents "the power of the educated who wish to bring change".
In an era where social media influencers are increasingly stepping into the political arena, YouTube personality Meghnad made his electoral debut with a rally that showcased a unique blend of digital savvy and old-school campaigning.
Despite the modest turnout of 10-12 supporters, the independent candidate's campaign radiated determination as volunteers distributed pamphlets throughout the market area with slogans like "Pen chuno, kaam dekho" (choose the pen, see the work) and the quirky "teach the herd, vote for the nerd".
While Meghnad's campaign literature featured a QR code linking to his YouTube channel, his interactions with the locals maintained a light-hearted and engaging tone.
When questioned by TOI about the challenges of running as an independent candidate, Meghnad responded with conviction: "I take pride in being an independent candidate. My entire idea of contesting is to prove a point here, to make people understand that hyper-local leaders can best address issues of the people. I have no party bosses dictating me—my only boss is YOU, the people of Malviya Nagar."
He said while winning mattered, his primary goal was to preserve the democratic spirit. The campaign struck a chord with some residents, including 58-year-old Ravinder Kanwar. "In 2008, I also wanted to contest independently but didn't due to pressure and lack of confidence. People like Meghnad make me very happy because he is so comfortable, and it is very nice regardless of whether he wins," Kanwar said.
Interestingly, Meghnad's digital influence drew supporters from as far as Greater Noida and Noida. "I've been following his work since he was a journalist and then turned YouTuber. His videos are informative, and having a person like him contesting makes the electoral race very interesting," said Sarita, 50, who travelled to show her support.
A software engineer made the journey from Noida to attend the campaign rally. "I am a subscriber from the very beginning. I used to watch his videos and when I came across his post about his candidacy, I was very happy to come support him," he said.
Outlining his hyperlocal focus, Meghnad said: "My manifesto focuses specifically on Malviya Nagar and its people. I want to revive the sense of neighbourhood." He also detailed practical solutions to persistent issues: "Often, people speak about safety concerns in Delhi, with govts shifting blame over policing. This is where a hyper-local candidate comes in: I plan to establish specific officers who will enforce security measures and more."
A 50-year-old supporter used a cricket metaphor to emphasise the importance of diverse candidates in the electoral field" "If it's a one-sided match and there's no player like this, what enjoyment would the spectators get?"
The independent candidate's election symbol—a pen—carries special significance. According to him, it represents "the power of the educated who wish to bring change".