Internet campaigns and news sites are mushrooming across the Internet prior to the General Elections 2009. Whether it is an attempt to superficially duplicate Barack Obama's successful online campaigning or if it really signals a change in the mindset of our politicos who now want to connect with the young, literate and Internet-savvy generation, we do not know yet. Here are a few interesting launches focussed on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections: News Sites CNN-IBN has launched a news site IBNPolitics.com to provide updates during elections and encourage live blogs and chats on the election. The site has some news in Hindi as well. The press information bureau has launched a micro site for the benefit of journalists covering the general elections this year. CNN-IBN had organised a blog contest after the Gujarat assembly elections in 2007, inviting opinions on Narendra Modi. It recorded over 1000 participants, according to this report. Communities - Times of India, in partnership with Wadanatodo, Radio Mirchi and public interest campaign NoCriminals, has launched Lead India '09. The site features blogs, communities and contests based on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Times Internet's social networking site iTimes, still in Beta, is the brand partner for Lead India '09. - VoteIndia.in is a website that helps voters make an informed choice by e-mailing them information on politicians' qualifications, work, track record and criminal background. The site owners have also uploaded videos on Youtube - the English video is here and the Hindi one here. - Jaago Re!…
