Scorching sun campaign moved to evenings

Candidates in Ongole change campaign timings due to rising temperatures, forcing late-night interactions with voters, increasing expenses. Voters appreciate personal touch.

The soaring temperatures in Ongole have led MP and MLA candidates to adjust their election campaign schedules, shifting them from early evening hours to after sunset. With temperatures ranging from 41°C to 45°C over the past week in Prakasam district, residents are staying indoors to avoid the blistering heat, causing a surge in campaign expenses.

Candidates are now facing additional costs for refreshments such as fruit juices and cool drinks for their supporters, followers, and campaign participants during late afternoon and evening campaigns. This increase in expenses is adding a financial burden of at least Rs 10,000 per day for the candidates.

The TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena alliance have joined forces to conduct their campaign starting at 6:30 pm, with their joint candidate Damacharla Janardhana Rao, along with his wife and daughter, engaging with the public in various divisions late into the night. They are highlighting Janardhana Rao's previous accomplishments and the unfinished projects of the current government in the town.

Similarly, YSRCP candidate Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, accompanied by his family, is also campaigning from 6 pm to midnight, meeting voters door-to-door and discussing their concerns. Senior politicians from both parties note that the rise in temperatures has inadvertently benefited the candidates, as families are more likely to be home in the evenings, allowing for personal interactions and conversations with voters.

Overall, the challenging weather conditions have prompted candidates to adapt their campaign strategies, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with voters despite the added expenses and late-night schedules.