Hyderabad: Provocative statements during election campaigns cause stress and anxiety in political leaders who are seeing a barrage of verbal attacks. The TS elections have seen major provocations with direct attacks which have left quite a bad taste during electioneering.
Mr Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen says, “These provocative statements are now dealt with a rhinoceros skin. I find that when Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah are using words against me it is only because I have done something good. I am being highlighted in their speeches as they find that I have a standing in the society. Hence the stress and anxiety that we have is more towards ensuring that we meet our people and convey the truth to them. This has been our focus. We work for 10 to 14 hours these days in the campaigning and this causes physical stress.”
Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy, Congress state chief said, “Provocative statements and direct attacks are undoubtedly stressful. But over the years, I have developed a thick skin to deal with them. The stress of election campaigning is more towards reaching out to people with the right message. Our focus is to ensure that people understand what we want to tell them.”
Raja Singh, sitting MLA of BJP in Goshamahal explained, “Provocative statements are only retaliation and we are forced to give them.” Ramchandra Rao, city president of the BJP, said, “Personal allegations are not in good taste in democracy and have to be condemned.”
Congress star campaigner actress Vijayashanthi said, “Stress and anxiety build up but the focus must not be lost. The focus is to reach out to maximum people and give them the message about what we are working towards.”
