ALAPPUZHA: As the local body poll bugle has been sounded in the state coinciding with the tourist season, Alappuzha, the international hub of houseboats, is calling out to tourists to enjoy the dance of democracy.
The local body elections in Kuttanad has always created a buzz in the area which beckons tourists with its rare beauty.
It was in 2004 that poll tourism was introduced to the Venice of the East creating a fondness for the diversity of electoral campaigns through the paddy fields, backwaters and on the banks of small pocket canals enriched with towering coconut trees.
The area dotted with party flags during this period, apart from polling officials carrying ballot boxes in boats is said to be an unmissable experience for tourists.
With campaigns gaining strength, tour operators here are nursing hopes for a spurt in the number of tourists to Alappuzha to witness Kuttanad’s innovative style of political campaigns.
C. Pradeep, secretary, DTPC, said the idea would be implemented with the help of tour operators. “The concept will be discussed with the district collector.”
Tomi Pulickattil, a tour operator who introduced poll tourism here during the 2004 general election said that witnessing election campaigns would be an exciting experience that includes meetings and marches, noisy propaganda and posters that are seen everywhere. “It also provides tourists an opportunity to know how democracy works out,” he said.
