Mobilising People for Campaigns Turns a Nightmare for Contenders

HYDERABAD: Mobilisation of people for election campaigns and public meetings has turned into a tough task for political leaders from across the spectrum. Even though they pay on a daily basis, people are not showing much interest in joining election campaigns.

Parties generally pay Rs 300 to each person taking part either in public meetings or poll campaigns locally. In case people are mobilised from rural areas, they offer Rs 400 per head.

Additionally, free transportation and food facilities are provided to them. In an apparent show of strength, political parties and contestants are trying to mobilise people for the last 20 days of the campaign. Bidi workers, homemakers and petty vendors are participating in meetings in Nizamabad, Kamareddy towns and other mandal headquarters.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Balraj of Domakonda mandal headquarters in Kamareddy district, said that men are not showing any interest in poll campaigns. They (men) earn more in wages than what the campaigns can fetch them, he said. Only women are showing interest to attend the public meetings and poll campaigns, he said.

The state and district leaders are pressuring locals to mobilise people in large numbers, but the ground-reality is vastly different, he said.

Youth, who are associated with political parties or on community lines, are taking part in election campaigns. They are supplied biryani and liquor, towards which the candidates have made special arrangements in colonies and election campaign offices.