Offbeat canvassing adds to AAPealÂ

MUMBAI: How does a cash-strapped party that cannot afford space on hoardings campaign for a Lok Sabha election? That's a question Mumbaikars were placed to answer while commuting to work on Monday morning as they swerved past the likes of Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey, who stood at a busy traffic signal with a placard that said, "I am not Ranvir Shorey, I am an aam aadmi." He was one of 20-odd celebrities, including Raj Zutshi and Tejaswini Kolhapure, who braved the scorching sun with banners of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

"We can't afford hoardings, so we used human banners instead," said Preeti Sharma Menon of AAP. The human banners were also seen outside mandirs, masjids and churches. The country's newest political outfit has grabbed the attention of Mumbaikars through innovative campaigns.

Autorickshaws doubled as campaign vehicles, as did refurbished trucks. Hordes of rickshawallahs, among AAP's support base, had posters of Arvind Kejriwal pasted on the rear of their vehicles and the party's signature jhadoo fitted on either side. These rickshaws, fitted with megaphones and speakers, weaved their way through mohallas, playing speeches by the likes of Kejriwal, as well as music composed for the party by Kailash Kher.

Brooms were never in short supply during AAP meetings across Mumbai, where volunteers swept the streets in support of a party that speaks of cleansing the system.

While mainstream parties have been accused of throwing money at the electorate, the reverse could be seen during AAP campaigns, where Mumbai's aam aadmi, from chaatwallahs to tea sellers, donated money from their savings. During jan sabhas held by the party, bedsheets were spread on the ground for people to donate.

Radhika Nair, involved in the party's campaigning, once put out her dupatta in Andheri. By the time the meeting drew to a close, the dupatta carried Rs 3,840, comprising "every possible denomination of the Indian rupee". Nair said this is an indication of the wide spectrum of people who support AAP.

The party has also launched social media campaigns to raise funds. AAP volunteers have networked with high net worth individuals in the city and have set up a system whereby those who wish to donate can have their cheques picked up from their homes.

AAP supporters also recently raised Rs 18 lakh from an auction of paintings by well-known artists.

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