Khurda: Political parties are in no mood to adhere to the sound pollution norms while campaigning for their respective candidates for the 2019 General and Assembly elections.
Most of the campaign vehicles of political parties are fitted with high-powered microphones and DJ machines to attract voters. Even, many microphone-mounted vehicles are found moving near schools, colleges and hospitals in violation of the silence zone norms.
As per the guidelines, noise from the campaigning vehicles cannot cross 65 decibels. But, no political party has obeyed the guidelines, said a social activist.
“Some candidates also use microphones to campaign at night. The election observers have turned a blind eye to the issue,” he added.
Some intellectuals and social activists have also alleged that political parties are distributing liquor among voters. “Candidates of various political parties are arranging feasts for the voters in some localities and distributing liquor to garner their support. Liquor traders are doing brisk business now,” said a local.
It is learnt that political parties often depend upon illegal liquor traders to cater to heavy demands. “Parties are sourcing liquor from licensed shops to meet the demand of their workers while they usually provide country-made liquor to people of lower income groups,” said a source.
Political observers, meanwhile, claimed that distribution of liquor by political parties may lead to violent activities during polls. “Parties are trying to influence the public opinion in their favour by arranging feasts in some localities and distributing liquor. The election observers and officials of the district administration should look into the issue,” said an observer.
Activists of some political parties admitted that they provide liquor to people from lower income groups to boost their support base. “Residents of some localities are openly demanding liquor and meat. They obstruct our campaign vehicles if we refuse to accept their demands,” said an activist of a party.