Masks of political leaders replace hoardings in Karnataka polls

With the Election Commission banning the display of hoardings, posters and cut-outs in the ensuing assembly elections in Karnataka, the supporters of various political parties have started sporting masks of their leaders in a bid to woo the voters.

Party workers marching through the lanes and by-lanes wearing masks of Congress, BJP and JD (S) leaders during their campaign has become a common sight in the state, where polling is scheduled to be held on May 10, 16 and 22.

Though the masks had been worn even during previous elections, the concept appears to be making more sense in the ensuing polls what with Election Commission going about booking parties and candidates under the Anti Defacement Law for displaying hoardings, banners and posters.

Masks of star campaigners of political parties like S M Krishna, B S Yeddyurappa, H D Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah are commonly found all over the state.

The masks are also coming in handy for candidates, who are unable to bring the star campaigners of their party to their respective constituencies. “Several voters would like to see how our leader looks like. By wearing a mask, we are able to show them a glimpse of our leader”, a political activist said.

Several thousands of masks of various political party leaders are already in circulation and the demand for more such masks is increasing as the poll date arrives nearer.

The demand for masks has also helped save the printers from the financial mess they had landed after the Election Commission banned hoardings, banners, posters and cut-outs. The printers, who had specially bought new machineries to cater to the political parties demand for publicity material, had now deployed their equipment to print masks.

A printer in Bangalore, who had already sold over 10,000 masks at Rs 10 a piece, said he is being flooded with fresh orders almost every day.