New Delhi:
The state Election Commission has a message for the people of Delhi: If you vote you are
Dabaang, or be
Dabangg, go out and vote. As the capital gets all set for the civic body polls tomorrow, the poll panel is wooing voters Bollywood style.
The commission has spent around Rs 20 crore on advertisement campaigns - on television and radio, in print and on hoardings.
"Generally, the poll percentage remains low in municipal elections. In last elections, the polling was only 30-34 per cent; with this campaign we expect it to increase to at least 60%. We need high poll percentage to strengthen the foundation of democracy," said Rakesh Mehta, Delhi state election commissioner.
Even NGOs like Vote My India have been roped in. Its members are performing street plays in every ward and spreading awareness about the civic body. One of the most interesting is a wedding card that reads, "You are cordially invited to write the future of Delhi. Come vote for MCD elections."
And the campaign seems to be having its effect on the voters.
"I think this is working. Last elections my sister did not vote now with these
Dabangg posters she says she will," said a voter.
"This concept is really cool. I am
Dabangg I will vote," said another.
Worried about the city's lack of interest in civic polls, the State Election Commission is calling on to the spirit of Chulbul Pandey, asking the Dilliwala's to be
Dabangg and vote this election. But will these posters, jingles and plays actually get Delhi to come out and vote? The city will know on the 15th.