Ranchi:
Their electoral planks may be diametrically opposite, but both BJP and Congress have taken the same route of 'bindi', 'topi' or badge to project their symbols and messages to the voters.
The BJP is using saffron-coloured
bindis, bracelets, caps, badges,
saris,
kurtas, T-shirts, masks and other items to woo voters for its candidates in the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Jharkhand.
"These items carry messages like '272-plus', 'Modi for PM', 'Fund for PM' and 'Vote for Modi'. The first lot has already been sent to our district units for distribution among party workers. Some party workers directly purchased T-shirts and saris embossed with messages," BJP spokesman Pradip Sinha said.
"These items have been made so attractive that the messages will hit the minds of the voters in less time," claimed Mr Sinha.
The Congress has also taken the same course by projecting its achievements, symbols and names of the candidates.
"Party symbol and slogans are embossed on
bindis,
topis, badges and other items to highlight our achievements like Right to Information Act and National Food Security Act," Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) General Secretary Alok Dubey said.
"With the model code of conduct in force, these are novel ways to campaign and spread the party's message," he added.
"We are also using social media to reach out to the voters," PCC spokesperson Sailesh Sinha said.
Other political parties have also devised their unique style of campaigning.
"We are using motorcycles carrying party flags, workers wearing stickers with party symbol, vans fitted with songs based on film tunes and setting up hoardings with the permission of the Election Commission," Praveen Prabhakar, Vice President, All Jharkhand Students Union (Ajsu) said.
The Election Commission has already lodged 167 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with defacing private property by the campaigning parties.