JD(S) takes hi-tech route to tap vote base

Bengaluru: Having been out of power for over a decade in the state, the Janata Dal (S) is taking the unconventional route and opting for technology and the virtual world  to influence voters the coming assembly poll.

Clearly aware that it is fighting for its survival,  it is leaving nothing to  chance to ensure its victory in the constituencies it plans to contest from.

Far from letting its image of a rural and farmers' party come in the way,  the JD(S) is currently using advanced technology to study voting patterns and learn from them. For instance, it is depending on the  voters' intelligence software that collects data  like results of  the last four elections, the  votes polled by the candidates, the increase in voters and so on to identify areas where its appeal is weak and rectify things if possible.

And while doing a door- to- door campaign for its Chief Ministerial candidate, H D Kumaraswamy, it plans to collect feedback and upload the data on to the intelligence software..

In addition it has  created over 25,000 WhatsApp groups to share details of schemes started by Mr Gowda and Mr Kumaraswamy among party workers and various professional groups of doctors, engineers, lawyers and also students.

Besides, it plans to send voice SMSes to voters. While making its plans for the virtual world these polls,  the JD(S) has not forgotten the need to go out on the streets and appeal to voters as well. It intends  to use balloons with photographs of Mr Kumaraswamy and party supremo,  Deve Gowda as campaign props in prominent places, said sources.