Instagram Star With 2.1 Million Followers Gets Just 33 Votes in Sarpanch Election

Social media popularity did not translate into electoral success for Om Prakash Bishnoi, a digital influencer from Indo Ki Dhani village in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district. According to the circulating report, Bishnoi has around 1.4 million followers on Instagram, 230,000 on Facebook and 500,000 on YouTube, taking his combined following to more than 2.1 million. Encouraged by his online reach, he entered the village sarpanch election, believing that his digital audience could help him win local support. His campaign also promoted the idea of a village free from alcohol and intoxicating substances.

However, the reported result was far below expectations. Despite the village having approximately 1,600 registered voters, Bishnoi received only 33 votes, according to the account. The result highlighted the gap between online engagement and participation in local elections, where voters make decisions based on factors beyond social media popularity. A like, comment or heart on a reel does not necessarily translate into a vote at the polling booth.

Despite the defeat, Bishnoi reportedly described his campaign’s refusal to distribute alcohol or intoxicating substances as a moral victory. The episode has since attracted attention online, with users commenting humorously on the difference between having a large digital following and securing votes in one’s own village. The incident serves as a reminder that social media reach alone cannot guarantee electoral support.