BJP rolls out PR campaign to counter citizenship-law unrest

Party says its efforts are paying off even as protests continue after law takes effect

Activists (left) burning masks with the face of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others (below, left) displaying banners and shouting slogans against Mr Modi as they protested against India's new citizenship law in Kolkata yesterday.
Activists (above) burning masks with the face of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others displaying banners and shouting slogans against Mr Modi as they protested against India's new citizenship law in Kolkata yesterday. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Activists (left) burning masks with the face of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others (below, left) displaying banners and shouting slogans against Mr Modi as they protested against India's new citizenship law in Kolkata yesterday.
Activists burning masks with the face of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and others (above) displaying banners and shouting slogans against Mr Modi as they protested against India's new citizenship law in Kolkata yesterday. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India is known for its slick social-media campaigns and public-relations prowess in always getting its message across.

Yet as protests continue over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which allows non-Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to obtain citizenship in India, the well-oiled publicity machine of the ruling party is facing its biggest communication challenge so far.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 12, 2020, with the headline BJP rolls out PR campaign to counter citizenship-law unrest. Subscribe