The Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has introduced the idea of “social media Shiv Sainiks” ahead of the state Assembly elections. Rahul Kanal, once a favoured aide of Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, was appointed as the chief of the social media team.

“This is the first time any political party has appointed a chief for social media,” Kanal said. Sharing his vision for the party’s digital future, Kanal outlined plans to establish social media pages at the state, district and ward levels, covering a range of local and state issues.