Voters haggle with candidates

They may not have seen much of their elected parliamentarians in the past five years, but as campaigning gains momentum, voters have realised that they are now in a position to bargain with the candidates who come asking for votes.

While some may ask for proper roads in their area, others demand adequate water supply, proper sewage facilities and educational institutions.

Recently, a group of women from the Mundka village gave an ultimatum to Krishna Tirath, the Congress candidate from North-West Delhi, while Tirath was campaigning in the area. “The roads here are in a pathetic condition. For long stretches there are no roads at all. If you want us to vote for you, get these roads made before the polling date,” the women told Tirath.

The baffled Congress candidate tried to explain to the women that with the model code of conduct in force, she couldn’t get this work done but would treat it as a priority if she were elected. But the women would not take no for an answer. Tirath’s campaign was stalled for nearly an hour as she tried to pacify the agitated women. Finally, the group said, “we are Congress supporters and we’ll vote for you but you better get these roads repaired as soon as you are elected or else we’ll not let you enter this area next time round.”

After another round of assurances Tirath continued her campaign trail but not before telling one of her aides curtly — “note kar lo, yeh kaam zaroor karwana hai”.

While Tirath may have gotten away with the ‘election code of conduct’ excuse, BJP’s Vijender Gupta, candidate from Chandni Chowk wasn’t as lucky.