In Kasba,Tilak takes to Web as Bapat sticks to foot marches

“We visited every Internet café in the constituency and noticed that this is where we can connect with India’s youngsters. Post elections,we plan to start an online window to solve queries of people in our constituency,” said Tilak,who has also been taking out rallies and marches.

Bapat,on the other hand,prefers the time- tested formula,something he has learnt from the 15 years of serving as an MLA.

“We know the pulse of this constituency. The way to tap the vote bank is still via direct meetings. We started the campaign a month in advance. Before the model code of conduct,we had inaugurated over 100 developmental projects,25 youth branches,involved over 250 senior citizens and organised worker-meetings. Even now,we depend on foot marches,corner meetings and pamphlets distribution to reach out to our voters. “Though we are sending e-mails to our voters,our basic approach this election remains predominantly traditional. This is a transition period. I can say that by the next Assembly polls e-campaigning will gain momentum in India. So,we will effectively use the tool next time,” said Kiran Sardeshpande,election in charge for Bapat.

As the politicians sweat it out tapping innovative ways,voters on the other hand are sure about what they want.

“Being a youngster,I find it fascinating to connect with a politician who can reach me on the Internet. However,foot marches and rallies have their own advantages. Networking on virtual world is new,hence will take time to find its ground. Instead of looking at the right and wrong campaign methods,a voter would look forward to someone who will make their lives easy,irrespective of the approach,” said Vijay Rajput,a resident of Kasba Peth.