Walking from house to house in the scorching 35 degree heat they woo the voters with folded hands. While Kumaraswamy is an experienced campaigner, Mamatha is coming to terms with the realities of an election.
Kumaraswamy's supporters say he cannot take too much stress as he had just had a heart surgery. He takes breaks at regular intervals and the key is remaining calm. Mamatha, on the other hand, says she does her aerobics and takes a brisk walk before she sets out on her campaign trail. It helps me keep fit and canvass with ease, she says.
However, all netas contesting the elections have one thing in their favour in Ramnagar. The roads are wide, well tarred, thus making the journey by road, less tiresome.
Kumaraswamy who is seeking a re-election from Ramnagar, on May 10 looks comfortable while interacting with the voter. As his car goes through the villages of Ramnagar, a large number of people, including children, are seen running behind it.
He is an instant hit with the women of Ramnagar, who still consider him to be the state's chief minister. His election rallies look more like the Janata Darshan, which he used to conduct when he was chief minister. Flooded with pleas and demands, he gives them a patient hearing before getting back into his vehicle and moving on to the next village.
There were instances when the public just did not let him go and wanted him to stay a while longer so that they could air their grievances.
The former chief minister said he is confident of a win in the constituency while ridiculing the Congress strategy of fielding a woman candidate against him for astrological reasons.
Image: H D Kumaraswamy undertaking door-to-door campaign.
Photograph: KPN Photos
Also read: Masks replace banners in poll campaign
Advertisement
