Bengaluru: With just a few days to go for the Assembly elections in Karnataka, political parties are busy campaigning with a witty and humorous twist.
While, the national parties are trying to woo the voters by their popular leaders calling them star campaigners, even some including film actors, the regional parties are highlighting the shortcomings of the national parties and wooing the voters. Amid all this is, innovative and witty campaigning by independent candidates that has surely attracted voters, however will it translate to votes, only time will tell.
Though it is difficult for independents to make their mark, independents have played their crucial role in the political history of Karnataka on several occasions
In this election, it has been witnessed that many candidates have left the party they were affiliated and are contesting as independents. And as a weapon they have sought unique symbols for themselves to attract voters. The Election Commission too have granted them the symbols that not only have humourous touch but have also been put to use attractively while on campaign by the various contestants.
Sri Rama Sene Leader Pramod Muthalik, who was seeking a BJP ticket from Karkala, was not been given a ticket from the party and is now contesting as an independent candidate. The Election Commission gave him trumpet as a symbol. Using the symbol, he has been campaigning that he is trumpeting a Hindu war cry and seeking votes from the voters.
In Puttur, Arun Puttila got bat as his symbol and making good use of the symbol his supporters have been posting short posts on social media stating that he has already won the toss using a photo of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and ready to bat, claiming that victory is definitely his.
Further, the Election Commission has given the slipper symbol to independent candidate Nagaraj Kalburgkar, who got just 500 votes last time around in Bagalakote constituency, which is the seat of intense competition between brothers. He has been given footwear as his symbol. He has been campaigning stating that like how footwear protects feet, I will protect you people. Though funny, it can have a great impact too.
Mallikarjun Charantimath, another independent and decisive candidate from Bagalakote, has been given the autorickshaw symbol and using this symbol, he has set out campaigning stating, May Hatthakke Auto Hattu, meaning climb auto on May 10.