PUNE: Continuous rain in the city is becoming a major cause of worry for all political parties, who fear that this could discourage voters from turning up on polling day, Monday.
Frantic meetings were held at party offices of almost all major parties in Pune to discuss ways in which people can be encouraged to cast their votes.
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from NCP Vandana Chavan, said, “Even though it has been raining in the city for the last two days, I am confident it won’t keep our supporters away.”
“Our party workers will be present with umbrellas at their respective polling booth to escort voters at the venue. Whether it rains or not, we are confident people will come in large numbers and vote for change,” Chavan said.
The last day of campaigning, Saturday, saw parties unable to carry out last-minute plans. But, would rain spoil people’s participation in the voting? Congress City Spokesperson Ramesh Iyer said, “We are personally in touch with the voters through phone calls, convincing them to carry umbrellas while coming to the polling booth.”
“Rain is one of a dozen factors that may affect voting turnout.”
Former BJP city president Yogesh Gogawale said, “Throughout the day we are calling voters, even though the active campaign has ended on Saturday. We are convincing them to come out and cast their votes. We have made arrangements for voters to get minute-by-minute updates through messaging, WhatsApp etc.”
