Markets, haats of campaigning

KORAPUT: Politicians of the tribal-dominated Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri districts have realized that going hi-tech will cut no ice with voters. Keeping with earlier practise, they are canvassing in haats or weekly markets.
"In the tribal areas, we can't depend on texting, tweeting and blogging. Neither can we bank on other modern means of campaigning as the people are mostly poor and illiterate.They do not have any access to internet, and even TVs at some places. Electioneering in haats saves money and time too," said a candidate for Koraput assembly seat.
Haats are intertwined with tribal life. They are also considered the hubs of socio-cultural activities. Candidates are capitalizing on the markets to reach out to most voters, said a political analyst.
With people from far and near gathering at haats, it becomes the principal source for news. Apart from trading, the markets also offer recreation for the rural folk.
"Our village is very remote. No politician has so far visited us. The atmosphere at haats has become politically-charged," said Sania Paraja of Dolpur village, who visits Dasmantpur haat on Wednesdays. There are around 100 small and big haats in the Koraput district.