Parties taking 'topi', 'bindi' routes to attract voters

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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, sari, kurta, T-shirt, masks and other items to woo voters for its candidates in the fourteen 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 Sinha.
The Congress has also taken the same course by projecting its achievements, symbols and names of 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 Food Act," PCC General Secretary Alok Dubey said.

"With the strict model code of conduct in force, these are novel ways to campaign and spread the party's message," he added.
PCC spokesman Sailesh Sinha said, "We are also using social media to reach out to the voters."

Other political parties have also devised their style of campaigning.
"We are using motorcycles carrying party flags, workers wearing stickers with party symbol, vans fitted with audio songs with filmy tunes and setting up hoardings with the permission of the Election Commission," Ajsu party vice president Praveen Prabhakar said.
The election commission has already lodged 167 FIRs in connection with defacing private property by the campaigning parties.