Gandhi relies on direct contact to win over voters in his constituency

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 20

The incumbent MP and the Punjab Democratic Alliance (PDA) nominee from the Patiala Lok Sabha constituency Dr Dharamvira Gandhi has been establishing direct contact with voters, unlike his counterparts, who campaign in a convoy of vehicles. 

Small meetings, door-to-door campaigns and crowdfunding were the hallmarks of Gandhi’s election campaign.

In fact, Gandhi has been trying to persuade the voters by presenting himself as a common man. 

As the Congress nominee Preneet Kaur and SAD candidate Surjeet Singh Rakhra have commenced their campaigns, Gandhi has put forth his clean image and systematic spending of his MPLADS funds in the segment.

While his opponents were seen holding big rallies to show their strength, Gandhi could be seen canvassing on a rickshaw. 

Known for his accessibility and simplicity, Gandhi said he does not believe in conventional political gimmicks of selling false promises to hoodwink the voters. Gandhi said, “I don’t have big cars to travel throughout the constituency. Moreover, I am 73 now. I have some health issues, as well.”

Notably, in the 2014 General Election, Gandhi was with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), but this time the broom (AAP’s poll symbol) has been replaced by a ‘mic’, the symbol of his new outfit the Nawan Punjab Party. 

Talking about crowdfunding, Gandhi said he has to contest the forthcoming election without corporate funding. “I don’t have money to take on these traditional political parties. Moreover, I am fighting for people. Therefore, people are supporting me.” Last week, Gandhi’s video of crowdfunding had gone viral, wherein, Gandhi had claimed that he was visiting more than a dozen villages daily, in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls scheduled to take place in Punjab on May 19.