VIBHA VERMA
PANJIM: Political mudslinging between parties, with nippy attention-grabbing video and audio campaigns, subverted traditional canvassing, during the Lok Sabha campaign, which ended in Goa, Thursday evening.
The ad war between the two major national parties ~ BJP and Congress; Aam Admi Party as well as Goa Su-raj (regional) party intensified during the month-long hectic campaign schedule. The media campaigns arguably enthralled audiences at meetings and elaborate rallies.
While the BJP is trying its best to convince voters through its video “Congress is fooling the people of Goa on the issue of Special Status”, the Congress has released a CD documenting Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s purported U-turns on various contentious issues saying “BJP government is misguiding the people.”
Idea Cellular’s latest ‘Ullu Banawing’ was BJP’s campaign to hit out at the Congress in Goa. “No ullu banawing (referring to Congress)… Chunav mein chuna kyun lagawing? Bhaashan se logo ko pakawing, aur paanch saal logon…ko chabawing. No ullu banawing…” is the video ad.
The ad shows two separate rallies — AICC Chief Sonia Gandhi’s rally in Goa on April 16, 2009 wherein she assures Special Status for Goa, while a subsequent video shows GPCC Chief John Fernandes claiming the request has been forwarded to the Centre at a press briefing on April 6, 2014. The video questions what the party was up to, during the five years knowing it is a long pending demand.
In opposition, Congress’ ad tried to take on BJP’s slogan “Abki baar, Modi sarkar” by dishing out detailed analysis of U-turns and double standards on mining, Medium of Instruction, garbage policy, Rs 300 crores annual funds for SC/ST and other issues. Interestingly, Election Commission’s flying squad asked Congress leaders not to screen the CD at a gathering in Margao on Thursday, which was not heeded to, leading to confiscation thereafter.
The party, however, suffered a setback when its radio jingle campaign criticising Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was stopped from being broadcast. The jingle has Parrikar in conversation with CNN-IBN journalist at an award ceremony claiming he stopped mining in Goa, a month before the Supreme Court ordered a ban in 2012 year.
The Congress asserted that the jingle would have shown the real face of the BJP about how they have been blaming the apex court for imposing the mining ban when it was Parrikar himself who first banned mining activities in the State.
AAP’s strategy is also on similar lines as its supporter and renowned singer Remo Fernandes penned and sung a special jingle ‘Zhaddu Maariya’. Similarly, Goa Su-raj party released a sound track and video CD, a day before the campaigning process concluded at 5 pm on Thursday.
According to the Election Commission, BJP has filed a complaint against Congress for telecasting the CD illegally, whereas the latter has complained that the saffron party was resorting to intimidation.
The ad war between the two major national parties ~ BJP and Congress; Aam Admi Party as well as Goa Su-raj (regional) party intensified during the month-long hectic campaign schedule… the media campaigns arguably enthralled audiences at meetings and elaborate rallies
