From Chipko movement to the Statehood movement, folk music has always been a popular mode for citizens to express their views on various issues. In the campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections too, folk music is being used to communicate with the regional voters. Supporters of both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have come up with number of songs in regional languages. The social media too is filled with Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari songs.
Explaining the importance of folk music in Uttarakhand, vice president of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Suryakant Dhasmana said, “Folk music is the easiest and most effective way of communication. We have launched one Garhwali and one Jaunsari song and we are also getting number of songs from our supporters, who are making them on their own. These songs, not only expresses our vision but are also very entertaining and soothing, which helps us to communicate our message in an effective way.”
Pradesh Congress Committee media and publication coordinator Rajeev Mehrishi told The Pioneer, “Some regional songs have been created by All India Congress Committee (AICC) and approved by PCC. In fact we are playing audios on FM channel 93.5 and the videos are being broadcast in our LED vans.”
Parineeta Badoni, state secretary of PCC produced the Garhwali song that has been used by the party’s Tehri Lok Sabha candidate Pritam Singh. Giving further details about the song she said, “Lyrics of this song have been written by famous folk singer Beena Bora with the help of Sunil Badoni. She also gave her voice for this song.”
On the other hand, BJP state social media in-charge Ajendra Ajay said, “We are getting songs from BJP supporters in huge number. Songs that align with our vision, we share them on our official handle.”
When asked about the popularity of folk music among the youth he said, “The fact that people are still listening to folk music and sharing them on such large numbers on social media is proof enough that people haven’t forgotten about them. In fact, young blood of Devbhoomi is keener on sharing their songs.”