GANDHINAGAR: From rap songs to the traditional Bhavai, the Election Commission is using all possible tools to ensure that the voter turn out in the forthcoming assembly polls is better than earlier.
Sources in the EC told TOI, "We are even using garbas and sanedo to send across the message to the voters that they need to turn out in maximum numbers on the day of the polling in their respective constituencies." Sanedo happens to be famous among all Gujarati people and is played at almost all the social occasions. Since its topic can be anything ranging from romance, youth, satire or a serious message, it has emerged as a powerful tool.
Sources disclosed that the EC has roped in singers at the local-level across the district for the purpose. It is also banking on the street plays being performed in mofussil towns to drive home the point. The performances have started and people are already attracted to them.
An official disclosed, "A team of students from Bhavnagar Medical College has recorded a rap number 'Tu vote kar' that is being played across the state." The main emphasis of the EC is to get more and more young voters and women to participate in the electoral process. Hence most of the content targets these segments.
In addition to this, the EC has prepared a series of 'quickies' that are to be telecast across the television channels in the state at the regional, as well as, the local levels. The 10 quickies have been compiled in DVDs that have been given to the television channels to be telecast free of cost.
The messages range from warning the voters not to be lured by cash and gifts to using their wisdom while casting their vote. For example in one of these presentations a teacher is shown telling the students that just as they celebrate the Friendship Day, Valentine's Day and Rose Day, they should make it a point to celebrate voting day.