The polling date approaching nearer, though the candidates of various political parties and the Independents have intensified campaigning in their respective constituencies in Dehradun district, the people, by and large, are sounding non-chanlant. Many say that they are yet to decide who to vote for.
The same picture of the candidates pitching hard for votes and the electorates appearing indifferent was found in Raipur constituency from where three principal contenders- Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’ of Bharatiya Janata Party, Prabhu lal Bahuguna of Congress and Independent Rajni Rawat- are in the fray. The high-pitched canvassing for votes by Rajni Rawat is leaving behind her formidable rivals in this aspect. Vehicles equipped with loud speakers blaring out songs and slogans were found making rounds of the streets of Raipur. Campaigning is going on since the morning till late into the evening.
Ramesh Uniyal, a supporter of the Independent, said that some teams comprising party workers have been formed and as per the plan thus chalked- out, they have been conducting door to door campaign, one to one meeting and public meetings to motivate the voters.
Numerous posters and banners dot the densely populated areas in Raipur. The same were found too on government and private buildings in violation of the model code of conduct.
Sumitra Bisht, resident of Vani Vihar said, “We are angry with the candidates. They come only during the election time. Most of the candidates are promising to facilitate uninterrupted supply of power and drinking water, construction and repair of roads and other civic facilities. We hardly believe that they would fulfill the promises after they are elected. As for me, I am yet to decide who I will vote for.”
Vipin Rawat, another resident of Raipur, echoed the same disenchantment with the poll process while venting his anger over some persons pasting posters on the walls of his house without taking prior consent.
Anuradha Singh, a first time voter, said, “For the past few days, loudspeakers fitted on vehicles are blaring at full volume in our locality. We are getting habituated to it, the election season on. However, I have not yet decided whom to vote.”