Canvassing in moonlight

Aspiring BBMP corporators are burning the midnight oil with night canvassing and trying to lure voters with lit up autos and bikes.

“I have extended my campaigning from 8 pm to 10 pm. Though I have covered all the areas of my ward, I am meeting elderly citizens and members of Resident Welfare Associations to know their grievances,” said Zakir Ahmed, a Congress candidate from Pulakeshi Nagar ( ward 78).

Ruben Moses, a JDS candidate from Jogupalya (ward no 89), said that he has been campaigning till 8.30 pm. “I have been visiting the houses and the places I have not covered.”

At Vrishabhavathi Nagar ( ward 102), autos decked up with colourful lights and bikes, took the area by storm as party supporters gathered around areas of the ward. 

However, women candidates said that they finish campaigning early due safety reasons. JDS Candidate from Vrishabhavathi Nagar SP Hemalatha said that she winds up by 7.30 pm. Similarly, BJP candidate from Lingarjapuram ( Ward 49),  N Savithri said that she finishes campaigning by 6 pm. She added: “Most of us start campaigning from 9 am and are away from family for long hours. Hence, I finish by 6 pm or 6.30 pm.”

Interactions
The Resident Welfare Associations ( RWAs), on the other hand, are also holding meetings and having interactions with the candidates. Hidayath Khan, president, HBR Layout 5th Block RWA,  said that his association and residents are meeting each political candidate contesting from their wards at 8 pm, in the last three to four days.

Similarly, BJP candidate from Doddanekundi ( ward 85), Shwetha Vijayakumar met the residents of Thubarahalli at 7 pm to discuss the civic issues plaguing them.

BBMP spokesperson S S Khandre said that as per the model code of conduct, the campaign can be held between 9 am till 6 pm. “However, visiting the residents and meeting them does not lead to violation unless it is creating a nuisance to the public. It is an individual choice and there are no restrictions on that,” he added.