Mangalore: Anything for a vote! Election candidates sweat it out in the sun
Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Mar 5: With elections to the urban local bodies less than 48 hours away, candidates of all parties are now cooling their heels after a week of hectic campaigning. The local elections will be held on Thursday March 7 from 7 am to 5 pm.
It was indeed touch-and-go for the candidates of all the parties, as they were left with very little time to show off their power and woo the public. Some candidates have a lot of people with them - some genuine supporters and some paid ones, as is the norm.
Some candidates were even found using remixed songs to enhance their campaigns to attract voters. Others chose to brave the sun and walk up to some hard-to-reach voters in the interior regions.
No banners, buntings, and flags could be seen as there are certain rules and criteria to be followed. Previously, elections were a festive season with buntings, flags, and banners everywhere along with music and illuminated displays in a few places. But this festive mood seems to have declined of late.
Door-to-door campaigning remained the most common approach as there are no major restrictions and regulations with regard to this manner of campaigning. Every candidate and their supporters were the very picture of politeness and dedication in an attempt to impress the voters.
While some candidates chanted the mantra of development as proof of their commitment, others dangled carrots in the form of various promises.
All publicity drama stopped on Tuesday March 5 from 7 am onward. It is completely illegal and against the electoral regulations if any candidate goes out to seek votes in any manner during the last 48 hours prior to the election.
Ultimately the decision lies with the voters and the fate of all the candidates will be on the voting machines which will reveal the outcome on the designated day. Then, it will be celebration time for the winning candidates and nothing but hopes for better luck next time for the others.
In less than a week from now, the city will know who the majority of voters trust the most. Until then, the parties can do nothing but wait and watch with bated breath.
But for the one who is truly works for the people, victory is just a bonus, and his workers and concern towards the people will always flow without any obstacles and barriers.
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