Guwahati, June 3 -- By Vitalee Deori

In contemporary India, political discussions are occurring as frequently on social media platforms as they are within Parliament or on the streets. Political dissent has long been shaped through community participation, including public hearings that raised awareness and mobilised people around issues affecting their everyday lives. However, such congregations, assemblies and means of protest or showing dissent are seen to be reducing.

Today, the political landscape is being analyzed, debated and transformed within what is called the digital 'public sphere', a digital form that is heavily influenced by smartphones and social media. For an increasing number of Indians, particularly the younger generat...