As Maharashtra’s election date, November 20, inches closer, media coverage is coming under the microscope, with voters increasingly questioning whether the information they’re receiving is fair and comprehensive. How much of what we see in the headlines reflects actual, balanced reporting versus stories curated to influence opinions?

Media’s Role: Selective Storytelling

It’s no secret that media plays a powerful role in shaping narratives. In Maharashtra, several examples showcase this influence: news outlets are emphasizing the Shiv Sena split—portraying Eknath Shinde’s BJP-backed faction as either a bold move for tradition or as a divisive stance against Uddhav Thackeray’s broader Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. This selective framing, seen in outlets with varying political leanings, impacts perceptions of which faction holds the “true” Shiv Sena mantle. Pro-BJP channels may lean toward amplifying Shinde’s efforts to mobilize Hindutva voters, while others present Thackeray’s MVA faction as a more inclusive and regionally responsive light on Corruption: Biased Emphasis.

Bias is also visible in the selective focus on corruption allegations. Pro-BJP outlets spotlight alleged corruption involving the MVA, especially NCP and Shiv Sena leaders, casting them as emblematic of systemic failure. On the flip side, channels leaning toward MVA interests highlight accusations that the BJP is using central agencies for political retaliation. This polarized focus distracts from everyday issues, leaving questions like, “What are the parties offering in terms of job creation or rural welfare?” pushed to the back burner.

Opinion Polls: Influencing Through Perception

Another layer of bias appears in opinion polls, which can create a perception of “inevitable” outcomes, nudging undecided voters to support candidates who appear to have an edge. Polls published by partisan platforms sometimes over-represent their preferred candidates or amplify certain alliances. While polls are a regular part of election coverage, the weight given to these numbers and the narrative around them can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where people support the perceived front-runners instead of making independent choices.

Social Media’s Unfiltered Echo Chamber

Social media, meanwhile, becomes an echo chamber, circulating unverified claims, memes, and heavily edited videos designed to appeal to biases. With posts appearing to reinforce existing viewpoints, voters risk missing out on a full, objective view of each candidate’s platform.

Voters: How to Cut Through the Noise?

So, as Maharashtra’s voters prepare to cast their ballots, a few pressing questions arise:

• Are they getting the full picture of each candidate’s capabilities and flaws?
• Is the media reflecting regional issues like rural employment and water shortages or only the high-drama political battles?
• Are voters aware of the biases in the polls and the skewed conversations on social media?

The Way Forward

In a time of intense coverage and political strategies, voters need to question what they see. By taking a step back and thinking critically, Maharashtra’s electorate can look past media narratives to make informed, independent choices.