Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050561170400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Novel way to seek votes

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Restrictions imposed by the Election Commission and crunch in funds have forced candidates to employ innovative methods to catch the attention of voters.

In Devanahalli (SC) constituency, where K. Venkataswamy is contesting as the Congress candidate, party workers are going door to door with sheep in tow. The animals have the Congress symbol painted on them.

In some constituencies, the Bahujan Samaj Party has taken objection to the restrictions on using an elephant, which is the party’s symbol, for campaigning.

The issue was brought to the notice of Chief Electoral Officer M.N. Vidyashankar and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation N. Sivasailam who held a press conference on Sunday to announce the launch of an election helpline.