Marriages may mar voting on Dec 12

RAJKOT: Marriages are usually occasions to celebrate. But not the ones scheduled on December 12. The political party leaders would know why, as this is the day that may make or mar their chances.Already poll pundits are predicting a drop in the voting percentage due to a large number of weddings planned on December 12, the day of the crucial state assembly elections.So, while the couples are busy thinking about tying the nuptial knot, the candidates are racking their brains to think of a way to bring wedding guests to the polling stations before the marriage ceremony.Looking at the number of weddings that are going to take place on December 12, about 50,000 people might remain absent, considering that a wedding is attended by about 500 guests.And as the voter turnout is expected to be around 45 to 50 percent, the absence of 50,000 people will surely be felt.This has the political party leaders from both the Congress and the BJP worried, particularly as some of their die-hard supporters have excused themselves from party work on December 12 as they will be busy attending marriages of their close relatives.Says Tapu Limbasiya, the BJP candidate from Rajkot-1, "It will be our request to the people pre-occupied with marriages to spend some time and vote as it is going to be a do-or-die battle. If all the members of the family cannot come at the same time, they can come individually."A senior BJP leader on condition of anonymity told this correspondent, "In some cases, even private cars have been requisitioned to help people to come to the polling booths, vote and go back to the marriage venue. An entire list of such families is ready with the BJP candidates in their respective areas and all arrangements are in place."The Congress too is geared up to meet the challenge. Congress' candidate Shanta Chavda has drawn up a list of weddings in her constituency and she will try her best to ensure that most of the guests attend the wedding after casting their votes. "You cannot be at two places at the same time but you surely can do justice to both the occasions. Our efforts will be to ensure that people first vote and then go to attend a wedding."Says Kartik who is to wed on December 12, "Although I wanted to, I won't be able to vote this time around, as there was no way we could change the date with the 'kamurta' setting in on December 14. And heavens are not going to fall if I, my wife or my relatives do not vote."As a result of the wedding season, even the party workers are torn between poll campaigning and marriage preparations. Says Amit Patel, a party worker, "I am busy with the marriage preparations of my cousin during the day, and do party work at night."