The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat is adopting a novel approach for the upcoming civic body elections on April 26 by requiring candidates to prove their social media influence. Aspiring leaders must submit metrics related to their social media activity, including viral content and engagement statistics, as part of their application for a party ticket. This initiative, which employs artificial intelligence (AI) to sift through applications, aims to identify candidates who can effectively promote the party's digital narrative and counter opposition voices. The move has sparked discontent among veteran party members, who feel their ground-level contributions may be overshadowed by digital metrics. In cities like Surat and Vadodara, where competition is fierce, candidates are compiling extensive documentation of their online presence to meet the new criteria. The party's observers are currently assessing these applications, with the final decision on ticket allocation resting with senior leaders. This strategy reflects a shift towards valuing digital engagement in political campaigning, a trend previously tested in southern India and now being implemented in Gujarat for the first time.