Bengaluru: Close on the heels of Supreme Court directing the state government to conduct BBMP elections in three months, Loksatta party rolled out its election campaign in HSR Layout on Friday.
The party’s candidate, Maithreyi Nadapana, has been an active worker for the last three years. A multi-media designer for the party, Maithreyi has extensively worked towards creating awareness on the safety of women and children in Bengaluru.
She told Deccan Chronicle that though she is new to politics, her priorities are to understand the needs of the citizens in her ward and work towards their welfare. “The focus will be on garbage management, improving local transportation and ensuring pedestrian safety,” she said.
Maithreyi has reached a large of number of people through her online petitions on women safety. When asked how different it was to meet people on the ground, she said, “People are showing interest in our party’s work and are questioning us about our aspirations. It’s a very different experience from the virtual world. And not an easy one!”
While major political parties are still struggling to find ‘right candidates’, Loksatta has already chosen 12 for various wards. It has even invited those who are interested to contest BBMP elections to become a member of their party.
Though it’s too soon to campaign for the elections, especially with the possibility of elections not being held at all, long campaigning helps good politics, believes Loksatta Vice-President Ashwin Mahesh.
“Many issues are discussed when the campaigns are held over a long period and citizens become more aware. They can raise similar questions to candidates from other parties and it helps to take informed decisions,” he said.
He further added that even if the elections are delayed, people would still come together to build a better society. “Campaigns need not be held only for elections, it can also solve public problems,” Mahesh maintained.
The party will eventually hold campaigns in other wards too, while Maithreyi will continue to campaign in HSR Layout. The party aims to hold campaigns at least five days in a week.
