Smart strategy for Salt Lake voters

KOLKATA: For years, the high boundary walls of Salt Lake discouraged any kind of election campaigning.
Rebuffed poll managers in this important segment of Dum Dum constituency have now devised a subtle way to access these ''elite'' voters.
They are pursuing them to cultural centres, block associations and Salt Lake''s many parks.
"Most political parties realise that conventional rallies and public meetings do not work here.We have to go for door-to-door campaigns, group discussions at the blocks or tap cultural programmes at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre or Nalban," said CPM councillor Tapan Talukdar.
"The average Salt Lake voter is concerned about national as well as local issues. He expects the MP to tackle his immediate problems," said Sudhir De, a resident and keen observer of the township''s unique socio-economic character.
Poll managers for CPM''s Amitava Nandy and BJP''s Tapan Sikdar have to be extremely sensitive about the wide spectrum of voters — from the richest businessmen to the fringe slum dwellers. And Nandy knows just which sentiment to tap.
"I will co-operate with the municipality to bring about necessary changes. I''m aware of the local problems, since I live here," Nandy said.
But it''s two-time MP from Dum Dum — Tapan Sikdar who understands the Salt Lake voter. "The voter here has to be treated differently from his counterparts in other parts of the state. For instance, poll graffiti is an absolute no no here," he said.
Improving the law-and-order situation, quality of roads, availability of water and garbage disposal are topmost on his list of poll promises.
Will it be a hat-trick for Sikdar, or will Nandy upset his applecart?
Whatever the outcome, the Salt Lake voter will play a crucial role in deciding the final outcome.