Now,candidates woo voters through voice calls

Vilas Lande said,“Considering that today’s generation is technology driven,I decided to use the voice call method. Also,since people lead a busy life,they do not have time to attend long meetings and lectures. Through a voice call,the candidate can express himself and his party future plans in a short time.”

Jaydev Gaikwad,NCP city chief said a number of NCP candidates like Vikas Dhangad Patil,Bapu Pathare and Sachin Daware are using recorded messages for campaigning. “It is not possible to meet each and every person individually,so this seems to be a better way of sending your message across,” said Gaikwad.

BJP candidate Vikas Mathkari has explored all available hi-tech options – from blogs to social networking sites,and intends to use recorded messages as well. “Since everyone carries a mobile phone these days,this could be a better way to reach to the masses,” said Mathkari. Even Shiv Sena candidate Mahadev Babar plans to subscribe the service to get in touch with the voters.

However,Professionals Party of India (PPI) spokesperson RV Krishnan said his party does not approve of such methods as they find it intrusive in the life of the common man. He also feels the newly adopted method of canvassing will not have much impact in an urban city like Pune. Similarly,Babu Nair,campaign manager for the Congress in Chinchwad,is against the recorded voice message method. “We plan to move around the constituency and visit people individually,” said Nair.

As far as potential voters are concerned,they are treating these voice calls like any other promotional forwards sent on their cellphones. “If the candidate really intends to reach the public,then why take a shortcut like SMS,email or voice call? Also,these calls come at odd hours. If you are busy or in some important meeting,you have no choice but to disconnect the call,” said Kiran Dudhane,who works for a travel company.