Management guru gives 'gyan' to JD(S) candidates

The JD(S), which is making attempts at an image makeover, on Wednesday outlined some of the ‘new management tools’ to its 188 candidates in the fray for the BBMP elections.

The regional party, which usually plunges into the electoral battle with a conventional approach, told its candidates to reinvent themselves, if at all they have to beat their opponent BJP and Congress candidates.

The party had invited management consultant Manjunath from DNS Consultants, who gave them tips on how to present themselves before the voter, when they go seeking their support. An IITian, Manjunath told the male candidates not to adorn themselves with gaudy gold jewellery like most realtors do.

Manjunath told them that Bengalureans, especially the educated urban voters, were averse to the “realtor sorts” and that they should not put them off by their appearance and speech.

He advised them to be patient and not get provoked by voters, who might have some unpleasant questions for them.

Cracker ban

Earlier, party State president H D Kumaraswamy, who was meeting all the 188 candidates together for the first time, asked them to not burst crackers during campaigning, when they greet party leaders, and even during victory celebrations.

He too asked the candidates to be conscious of their body language and presentation. “When you visit the voters, they should be impressed by you. Get a proper insight into the problems plaguing your ward and go to them with suitable solutions, even if they don’t have the time for you,” he said, adding that they should completely avoid road shows.

JD(S) MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan told the candidates that not all 188 of them should expect Kumaraswamy or him to campaign for them. “We have categorised wards as A, B and C. We are banking on winning in A and B wards, which is where we will campaign on your behalf,” he said.

The party is not contesting in 10 wards - Vignan Nagar, Adugodi, Koramangala, Kacharakanahalli, C V Raman Nagar, New Thippasandra, Kempapura Agrahara, Bommanahalli, Jaraganahalli and Hongasandra. The reasons vary from non-issue and non-submission of B forms, to late submission of affidavits and caste certificates.

Dos and don’ts

Don’t wear gaudy jewellery like real estate businessmen
Don’t conduct road shows
Don’t burst crackers
Tap into houses in apartment complexes
Spend at least 2 minutes in each household