What is the BJP's IT cell?

The Bharatiya Janata Party Information Technology Cell (BJP IT Cell) is a department within the Indian political party BJP that manages social media campaigns for the party and its members. The BJP IT Cell, led by Amit Malviya since 2015, is known for orchestrating online campaigns to promote the party's agenda and intimidate critics. According to various sources, including the Washington Post and Newslaundry, the IT Cell employs a vast network of social media workers to spread posts aimed at exploiting the fears of India's Hindu majority across platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Telegram. The cell has been accused of disseminating misogyny, Islamophobia, and hatred, and has targeted journalists, film actors, and political opponents. Notably, Twitter took restrictive action against Amit Malviya in December 2020 for posting manipulated media. The BJP IT Cell's activities have raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and the use of social media to influence public opinion and suppress dissent Washington Post, Newslaundry, Indian Express.