Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 10: A large number of people from all age groups have involved themselves with the task of creating awareness among the locals about exercising of the right to vote. Students of about 13 colleges have joined hands for the awareness campaign under the slogan, 'we, our votes, are not for sale'.

Through this campaign, these students want to make sure that every voter exercises his franchise without fear or lure of something. The students want the polling percentage this time to reach 85 percent as compared to 65 percent polling recorded in this district last time. Most of the students and people working in towns and cities plan to undertake travel by using holiday for polling. This progamme aims at convincing them to change their attitude towards this exercise. The campaign wants voters to either cast their votes to any of the parties or individuals or exercise 'NOTA' option. In a nutshell, they want every voter to use his right to vote without fail.

Choosing NOTA option also reveals the general trend among the voters. If the choice of candidates in the local constituency is not judicious, or none of them have undertaken development works,the voters wish that new faces might work for them. NOTA option does not spoil votes. These votes provide clear opinion of the people of the constituency to the candidate concerned, and also the defects in political parties, says state president of All College Association, Neil Briyan Pereira.

These teams of young college students undertake house-to house visits, go to hospitals, clinics, medical and othr shops, stick posters creating awareness amongthepeople andpaste coy thereof to convince people to vote in the election.

Executive officer of the zilla panchayat here, tahsildar, and district superintendent of police have been leading a number of teams with a membership of ten each, stick the posters there, and put in efforts to make people to use their right to vote.

The teams meet milennium voters, go to class rooms, give advice about voting exercise, and administer code so that they grow up into conscious citizens of the country.

The teams have visited Ontibettu in Hiriyadka and other villages where they imparted legal advice. Out of humanitarian concern this time, several teams are making the rounds and spreading voter education.