- Akanksha Khushi
Jamshedpur, May 10:Mercury rises and so does the poll fever in the steel city. Many parts in the city have recorded temperatures as high as 43 degree Celsius. But the rising heat will not let the excitement and anticipation of the people of the city to subside. Popular belief remains that Lok Sabha elections 2019 will be a major turning point for the country. Everyone in the country can more or less agree to the fact that this election will be a huge crossover between different leaders and their ideologies. The rising electoral heat has generated an intense poll fever among the citizens. Since months, an evident political frenzy has been created among the voters.
This poll fever can tilt towards any candidate from any party, but this can be called the greatest electoral participation seen by this country. Political analysts and tea stall pundits are of the opinion that India might see its highest voter turnout since independence. From extravagant road shows to decorated vans with loudspeakers, very evident efforts have been made at campaigning. Saffron clad people representing the ruling party can be seen on the streets, showing an apparent support for the party while some others move around sporting merchandise like t-shirts and caps showing their support for their favourite candidates. Apart from field campaigning, this time special attention has been given to campaigning on social media as well.
The frenzy generated on social media can be interpreted in different ways. Some people might be of the opinion that voters can be easily manipulated by unauthenticated WhatsApp forwards while it can be viewed with a more positive lens as well. On being asked what will he do after casting his vote a young man replied that he would go back and click a selfie flaunting his inked finger. The hashtags of the popular culture, if not anything, have at least led to greater awareness and sense of responsibility.
As the day for voting comes closer, anticipation of the voters is at peak. The citizens are ready to set their work aside and line up at their respective polling booths to exercise their right in the functioning of the world�s largest democracy. The rising level of mercury may create a hindrance but from the looks of it, it does not seem that people will let the �once in five years� chance go abegging.
