Narendra Modi launches India272+ Android app to connect with supporters

Post an Android game and a smartphone, Narendra Modi has become the face of a smartphone app now.

Nishtha Kanal|Jan 03, 2014, 12:07:22 IST

Post an Android game and a smartphone, Narendra Modi has become the face of an application now. Only this time, the Chief Minister of Gujarat and BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls has launched the app himself, in a bid to have citizens convey their problems to him.

On New Year’s Day, Modi launched an Android application called India272+, available for free on the Play Store. As you may have guessed by now, 272 refers to the number of seats needed to assert majority in a General Election. The elections are coming up later this year and the app comes as a move to connect with the masses and address their grievances in the run up.

More from News Analysis

Quite like Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party, Modi and BJP too want to be able to keep their fingers on the pulse of the nation using technology. If Kejriwal is using Facebook pages to pursue this move, Modi's attempt is India272+. The app is available for Android

Available for Android

The application will help BJP members and volunteers across India participate in discussions and share ideas with Modi and the party. According to the press release, one will also be able to share newspaper clippings and blog excerpts. The app also integrates popular social networks Facebook and Twitter, and messaging app WhatsApp so you can share your experience.

There are multiple groups on the platform as for doctors, writers, women activist groups, NRIs that one can join based on one's interest. Essentially, this will not only help BJP connect with audiences but also figure out its own strengths. During the launch, Modi said that he was confident that it would go a long way in not only strengthening the bond between existing volunteers, but would also draw more volunteers to the India272+ platform.

The India272 website was launched in August last year, which is where the idea for the app came from. Modi has been a heavy user of Twitter and blogs frequently too, so using technology is nothing new for him. The app is just natural extension of this idea.

By Nishtha Kanal

Intrigued by all things social, Nishtha will invariably tweet about you. When not tweeting or writing about the next viral video, you will hear her proclaiming her love to Metallica, James Hetfield, Opeth, Akerfeldt and all bands that go 'growl'. She also obsesses about ACP Pradyuman and South Park and you will always find her moving around with a book. Her focus is on all the happening stuff in the tech domain, and she won't hesitate to take a shot at some of the oddball devices that make their way to our labs.