Smart mobs swarmed the streets of Ongole for a good cause. More than 2,000 college students who have got their voting right for the first time on the eve of the simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assembly, were the cynosure of all eyes as they managed to shake a leg in unison. As the crowds grew bigger, the students stopped their performance and began talking on larger developmental issues concerning the common people and underscored the need for voting without succumbing to money or liquor in the elections.
“It is in our own interest we should elect the right person to take care of our interests for the next five years,” the students explained, covering, among other centres, the busy Bus stand Centre, New Vegetable Market Centre and Mastan Dargah.
Wearing T-shirts with thought-provoking messages, they underscored the need for every voter to compulsorily vote for a candidate of their choice in the General elections.
They enlightened the voters on the ‘none of the above’ (NOTA) option in case they were not impressed with any of the contestants.
Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation Programme (SVEEP) Nodal officer Dr. B.Ravi said the services of folk artistes, students and NGOs would be used in a big way so that every voter, including those in remote areas understood the need for going to the assigned polling booth on May 7 to vote without any fear or favour.” A special effort would be made to cover Chenchu tribals living in most inaccessible terrain, fishermen and farm workers among other sections of people.
