Mumbai:
Netas with different ideologies are now bound by a common goal. In an election season with dozens of opponents, every politician wants his few minutes in the spotlight to make the best impression. And now many are hiring professionals hoping that will do the trick.
Politicians across the political spectrum are hiring public relations agencies to give their campaign a positive spin.
From image makeovers to advice on what to say - with just a few weeks left, the PR (Political Relations) machinery is already working overtime.
"Perception is everything. It is not important what you are or what you think you are. What is important is what the public thinks about you," says Viveck Shettyy, Director, Indus Communications. "But it is still the younger politicians who are coming to us not the older ones," he adds.
These spin-doctors write speeches, arrange for radio jingles, study rival candidates, and even gauge public mood and sentiment.
And they have a long list of dos and don'ts - from grooming tips to getting their facts to more importantly when not to make a speech of it.
"The absolute no-nos are smoking, spitting, chewing paan and tobbaco in public and of course: never sleeping before the cameras during public meetings," says Balaji Pillai, Director, Spin Communique.
And the advice comes anywhere between Rs 50 thousand to Rs 5 lakh.
Though seasoned politicians refuse to admit this, newer leaders acknowledge the need.
"We needed a PR agency as we are a new party. But in two years time we will no longer need PR. Our leaders will speak for themselves," says Ali Khan, Chairman, Hindustani Swaraj Party.
Some critics say politicians hiring PR firms indicates they are turning professional. But many others argue it's a lack of stature, mass appeal and statesman-like qualities that are forcing them to walk the extra mile to woo the voters. Question is: will this work?
Politicians across the political spectrum are hiring public relations agencies to give their campaign a positive spin.
From image makeovers to advice on what to say - with just a few weeks left, the PR (Political Relations) machinery is already working overtime.
"Perception is everything. It is not important what you are or what you think you are. What is important is what the public thinks about you," says Viveck Shettyy, Director, Indus Communications. "But it is still the younger politicians who are coming to us not the older ones," he adds.
These spin-doctors write speeches, arrange for radio jingles, study rival candidates, and even gauge public mood and sentiment.
And they have a long list of dos and don'ts - from grooming tips to getting their facts to more importantly when not to make a speech of it.
"The absolute no-nos are smoking, spitting, chewing paan and tobbaco in public and of course: never sleeping before the cameras during public meetings," says Balaji Pillai, Director, Spin Communique.
And the advice comes anywhere between Rs 50 thousand to Rs 5 lakh.
Though seasoned politicians refuse to admit this, newer leaders acknowledge the need.
"We needed a PR agency as we are a new party. But in two years time we will no longer need PR. Our leaders will speak for themselves," says Ali Khan, Chairman, Hindustani Swaraj Party.
Some critics say politicians hiring PR firms indicates they are turning professional. But many others argue it's a lack of stature, mass appeal and statesman-like qualities that are forcing them to walk the extra mile to woo the voters. Question is: will this work?
