Biz activity in heartland almost at a standstill

Mysuru: With political parties picking up youngsters, especially women, for election-related work, economic activities have been affected in rural areas.
According to villagers involved in agricultural activities, people are showing more interest in election campaign-related work over regular work, as they get a lot more money than usual and also get perks such as food and other benefits.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene state president Badagalapura Nagendra and Mysuru taluk unit president P Maramkaiah said a shortage of farm labourers is being reported from villages as people prefer campaign work.
“For example, for women workers we pay Rs 300 as daily wage. But political parties are paying Rs 500 per day for food and transport. There is no need for them to toil hard in the fields when election campaigns are on,” Maramkaiah said.
This trend is not limited to farm labourers alone. Cultural activities and even construction works have been stopped in villages as many people are busy in election-related work.
Their work include distribution of pamphlets, door-to-door campaigns especially in the morning, and evening and attending election rallies fronted by party leaders.
“There is a huge demand for both male and female workers for poll related work. As the work involves money and other perks, there is a shortage of labour for other works,” said Shashikiran Hegde, a realtor in the city.
Kempaiah, a drama teacher from Mellahalli, said, he will resume classes only after May 14 as now artists are also in huge demand. “For many people, this is the time to make some money. So, I am also taking a break,” he said.