PM Modi’s second reel in 24 hours increased the suspense! At 11:52 pm, a video of PM Modi changed all the rules of politics. NEET paper leaked, 300M+ views and secret order to make cabinet reels! Know the whole truth of this algorithm game.
New Delhi: On Thursday midnight, when half the country was preparing to sleep, there was an earthquake in the algorithm of social media which changed the entire definition of communication in the history of Indian politics. At exactly 11:52 pm, a selfie-style video drops from the official handle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The topic was very serious – NEET paper leak and exam cheating. But, behind this video was not just an assurance, but a well-thought-out strategy of governance, which not only gathered more than 300 million (30 crore) views within 24 hours, but also broke all the records of Instagram.
That midnight ‘selfie-style’ video: Was it just a coincidence?
For years, the rule of Indian politics has been – seriousness, flashing lights of the studio and ‘Prime Minister’s address to the nation’ on TV at 8 or 8:30 pm. From the demonetization of 2016 to the speeches of the Covid era, the country was accustomed to this pattern. But on the night of July 23, PM Modi held the front-camera at arm’s length and spoke directly to the youth of the country. No bulky television sets, no fanfare of a PR team. This change completely sidelined the traditional media. Why did the country’s most powerful leader have to choose midnight time and a short-video format?
New strategy to reach Gen Z?
In fact, the power behind the anger of the students against the NEET exam under the leadership of ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ at Jantar Mantar was the 15-second vertical clips and reels of Instagram. The government had understood that if one wanted to talk to ‘Gen Z’ (today’s young generation), one would have to come out of the TV studio and come to the ‘For You’ page on their mobile screens. This video hit straight into the feeds of youngsters scrolling late at night. Today’s youth are more active on social media than traditional TV news. Short, quick and direct conversational videos have become his favourite. For this reason, this reel posted late at night also reached millions of people quickly. Political analysts believe that the government now wants to directly reach out to the audience that spends the most time on algorithm-based social media platforms.
Second reel in 24 hours: Why did PM say ‘Friends, thank you’?
The effect of this unprecedented experiment was that within 24 hours, about 10 lakh (one million) new people started following PM Modi on Instagram. Overjoyed by the overwhelming and positive response, the Prime Minister shared his second Instagram reel within exactly 24 hours. In this new video, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the public in a very intimate manner and said:
“Guys, thank you. I had the opportunity to connect with you last night. Thank you for your feedback on the video I posted and your positive suggestions… I hope your love and support continues and our relationship becomes even stronger and more dynamic.”
This was not just a thank you message, but an attempt to assure the students that the government was very serious about their concerns. He made it clear that paper leak is playing with the future of lakhs of students and their families, and very strict steps are being taken against it through the Union Cabinet.
Strategy of closed rooms: When the cabinet got the order to make ‘Reels’!
The impact of this digital tsunami was not limited to social media only. According to sources, during an important cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Modi gave a completely new and shocking instruction to his entire team and Union ministers. PM Modi clearly said that now ministers will have to stop relying only on formal press releases or paper statements. All ministries have been asked to adopt ‘digital-first communication’ and increase their activation on Instagram. Ministers have been instructed to create vertical reels, connect directly with the youth in their spoken language and use social media tools.
Game of algorithms or shield of policy: Will the ground truth change?
Now the biggest question that arises is whether these reels made in selfie-mode and promises of fast-track courts will be able to eliminate this deep-rooted termite problem in the examination system? Critics argue that front-camera videos can never be a substitute for serious parliamentary debates or open press conferences. Short-form content may hold attention for a short period of time, but it cannot hide the public’s sharp questions and accountability.
However, the political message is very clear – governance is no longer limited to making policies behind closed doors, but depends on how visible you are in the algorithmic race. Prime-time podiums have been replaced by handheld smartphones, and in this new age of politics, whoever can stop the public’s thumbs from scrolling will win.