KOLKATA: Kolkata: At least two corporate entities — a real estate firm and a hospitality company — have jumped onto the election bandwagon and introduced campaigns urging citizens to step out and vote at the ensuing Assembly elections in the state. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also roped in a popular animation character to engage with voters and ensure that citizens cast their votes.Siddha Group in its election campaign, ‘Your Home, Your Democracy’, draws from a simple yet relatable thought: Just as a home is built brick by brick, a democracy is built vote by vote. Both require participation, responsibility and a sense of ownership.
Taking this thought forward, the message evolves into “Be Selfish. Vote.”, positioning voting not just as a duty, but as a personal decision that has a direct impact on one’s rights, future and quality of life.At its core, the message is simple: Voting is not just a responsibility, but something that directly affects each individual.“The initiative brings this idea closer to everyday life, encouraging individuals to see the link between the homes they build and the larger environment they help shape through their choices. We aim to encourage individuals to view voting as a personal choice, one that directly influences their aspirations, security and quality of life. As a responsible corporate citizen, we believe our role goes beyond building homes to fostering more aware, engaged and future-ready communities,” said Siddha Group managing director Sanjay Jain.A hospitality group that has brands like Oudh 1590, Chapter 2 and Chaudhury & Company in its fold has taken an initiative, urging customers to step out of their homes and vote.“When you are particular about what you order, why not be particular about who you choose? Choose wisely, vote wisely,” the message extols.“In metros, the voting ratio is less than in semi-urban and rural areas because many choose to stay indoors and treat voting day as a holiday. As a responsible citizen, we have taken this initiative, urging our customers to step out and cast their vote,” said Shiladitya Chaudhury, co-founder of the restaurant brands.The ECI itself has partnered with popular animated character ‘Chhota Bheem’ to launch a campaign aimed at raising voter awareness before the Bengal Assembly elections.Rajiv Chilaka, founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation and the creator of ‘Chhota Bheem’, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are tied up with the ECI to promote awareness of voting and also the importance of voting using the character of Bheem. We’re running a campaign wherein we have created comics that promote awareness among voters,” he said.
