Election canvassing has come to an end and the fate of candidates in this general election will be sealed in less than 48 hours. So, what would the voters be looking at before they cast their vote?
Though Members of Parliament are expected to deliberate on policies that matter to the country at large, including those on foreign affairs, economic and agriculture policy among others, the contest locally appears to be based on promises on micro issues, be it water scarcity, poor road conditions or uncleared garbage.
Candidates are routinely faced with questions on these issues as they go campaigning and they are also not shying away from promises to address them, despite their limited role in the local civic agency.
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Speaking on the issue, Congress candidate for Bangalore South Nandan Nilekani recently said an MP cannot shy away from issues of civic administration. Referring to some people telling him that he had turned Lok Sabha election into a municipal election, he said: “I am happy to make it a municipal election since an MP is also a member of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).”
In the meanwhile, the BJP and Aam Aadmi Party have come up with local manifestos for Bangalore. With about 10 big ticket points in its 30 commitments made to Bangalore, BJP has promised to elevate the city to international standards.
Both the BJP and the AAP have promised action on water. The AAP has also put satellite towns and strengthening of the commuter rail on its agenda.
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