Gujarat Elections 2012: BJP, Cong woo voters with souvenirs

Zeenews Bureau

Ahmedabad: With the election dates in the state fast approaching, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have come up with a unique campaign strategy. Both the political parties have reportedly shortlisted a range of souvenir items to be distributed to voters in a bid to woo them. The state unit of BJP has come up with a hamper that includes a list of 49 souvenir items, some of which will be given for free during rallies and election campaign while some will be charged for, as per a report in The Indian Express. The items have reportedly been selected after an extensive study by the experts. The hamper includes a paper mitten which has a photo of Gujarat CM Narendra Modi on one side and the slogan ‘Ekmat Gujarat, bane Bhajap sarkar’ on the other, warm saffron headbands, T-shirts, friendship bands, Modi masks, balloons, shades, a paper megaphone and mobile case, as per the report. Keeping the women voters in mind, the hamper also include items like hair clutchers, mangalsutra and ladies purse. “Items like wrist bands, t-shirts, head bands, combs and tattoos that can be used by anybody,” said Jagdish Bhavsar, media co-ordinator for BJP, as per the report. Congress too has come up with its own list of souvenir items. “Mass media like hoardings, banners and posters is one factor while bicycle with slogans and messages, rath with LED screens, curtains, mobile covers and bands are items for attracting voters’ attention,” Congress party spokesperson Manish Doshi reportedly said.