It was reminiscent of Republic Day or Independence Day celebrations; patriotic songs like ‘Ae mere watan ke logon’, ‘Mere desh ki dharti sona ugle, ugle here-moti’, ‘Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka’ and ‘Jahan daal daal pe sone ki chidiya karti hai basera’ were heard blaring through loudspeakers but this civic polls patriotism remains in the air during the campaigning period.
Patriotic songs are constantly played to attract more voters; it seems that Ranchiites get reminded about patriotism only when elections are there.
Contenders who are seeking ways to catch voters’ attention are also turning to catchy film song tunes like ‘Fevicol Se’, ‘Chinta-ta-tita-tita’ , ‘Chikni Chameli’ and other Nagpuri chartbusters. In the past fortnight, the CD and the cassette sellers had brisk business.
The demand for patriotic songs and item songs is high. Pamphlets containing patriotic slogans are distributed among the masses during the campaigning.
“We are adding music to drab election campaign. We are also projecting ourselves with promises and also the policies to attract the common voters,” said Vimla Sahu, Harmu (ward number 29) who recently got her cassette and CD recorded for the election crusade. “I opted for patriotic song Ae mere vatan ke logon as I feel people can easily connect with this song,” she added.
A CD seller in Daily Market, Mahesh claimed that he had sold over 60 CDs consisting patriotic songs last week. “I normally do not stock so many CDs of patriotic songs. But due to demand, I had to procure fresh stock to provide it to the candidates. I also dubbed these songs and provided the CDs and cassettes,” he said.
The candidates are also getting the parody songs made on the tunes of patriotic songs to attract the voters. The parody songs also mentions about the promises made by the candidates to be fulfilled if chosen to power along with the election symbol.
Star Ad, Event Management Company owner, Shashikant said that use of catchy tunes is a favourite option of candidates, more so when they feel there is not much time left. Supporters are cashing on the craze for the film Singham. Followers are using the slogan ‘Hamara neta Singham hai, baki sab chingam hai’, a play on the word from the blockbuster movie Singham.
A local voiceover artist Raj said, “All recording studios are packed and my schedule is also hectic at the moment. During elections, my work pressure is increased a lot.
Till now I have done more than 15 VO’s (Voice over).” Many other city artists confirmed that they are getting a lot of work during elections.
Recording studios and event management companies are continuously approaching them. Jazzy Bollywood numbers are remixed to woe the voters and they are being sold like hot cakes. “In rural areas, they work like wonders not only for conveying messages the musical way but also helps in gathering crowds,” added Sashikant.
The masses said that playing of patriotic songs was a gimmick to attract people. The fact is that they want the candidates to reach the Nagar Nigam and work for the development of their areas.
“We want a person who speaks less and works more”, said Vimla Sood, a resident of Ashok Nagar. Many people said that they want development in the city, not false promises. Playing patriotic songs would not come in handy. It is the work that speaks.