Seeking votes for his ‘stethoscope’

A medical practitioner roaming around with stethoscope around his neck is common sight, but this time, it is his election symbol too. Psychotherapist Bodagala Venkata Raja Rao (B.V. Raja Rao), contesting as an independent candidate for the Tirupati Assembly seat, is moving around swiftly seeking votes. From an array of various symbols, he luckily got the ‘stethoscope’ when the Returning Officer allotted it on coming to know that he is a doctor. Standing amid giants with enough money and muscle power, Dr. Rao appealed to the public not to fall for money or other goodies, but vote with their conscience for a better future. "If you find nobody suitable in the fray, cast your vote for NOTA, but do not elect a corrupt politician," he explains. He offered to give away all his properties. Accompanying him is ‘Guitar’ Rao, a music teacher who shot to fame by taking ₹1 a day as fee for coaching students in musical instruments.