In an attempt to create awareness on ethical voting, the district administration is out to educate women voters on the ill-effects of yielding to the freebies offered by the political parties ahead of the elections.
As part of the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, the authorities organised a rangoli competition at NTR Municipal Stadium on Wednesday that brought out the creative instincts in women as they weaved colourful patterns using chalk powder on the ground, carrying messages for the voters.
Colourful patternsADVERTISEMENT
One pattern had liquor bottles and currency notes with a message that the voters must not fall for the money and liquor offered to them during the electioneering. Another pattern described how the political parties were luring woman voters with gold ornaments, and other freebies.
Over 50 women participated in the competition. “We want to convey the message to all woman voters that they should not be enticed by any such means and take independent decisions while exercising their franchise,’’ said Jyotsna, a participant from Nallacheruvu.
District Collector S. Suresh Kumar, Joint Collector Vivek Yadav and Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) Project Director Krishna Kapardhi gave away prizes to the top three contestants- Ramadevi, Nagalakshmi and Pravathi. Consolation prizes were also given to the participants.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Krishna Kapardhi said that an elocution competition would be held on Thursday, followed by a quiz contest on Friday to promote ethical voting.