Nagpur Voters Face Flood of Automated Political Calls as Campaigning Closes
Campaigning entered its final hours on Tuesday in Nagpur. Residents across several parts of the city reported a sharp spike in recorded political calls. Many people said they received multiple automated voice messages. These messages urged them to vote for specific candidates.
Volume of Calls Increases Significantly
Several residents noted they received a few such calls over the past week. However, the volume increased dramatically on the last day of campaigning. Many claimed they received five to six calls on Tuesday alone. This happened even as the silence period began at 6 PM.
The calls mostly featured pre-recorded messages. Candidates introduced themselves in these messages. They mentioned their party affiliation. They also appealed directly for votes. In several cases, the messages began with greetings like "Namaskar, this is..." followed by the candidate's name and constituency. They ended with a clear appeal for support in the upcoming polls.
"I got two such calls last week, but today I have already received five," said Prakash Tule, a resident of Dhantoli. "Some calls came in the morning, and a couple more in the afternoon. All were recorded messages seeking votes."
WhatsApp and Text Messages Also Pour In
Apart from recorded phone calls, many residents also received messages on WhatsApp and regular text messages on Tuesday. These messages included campaign appeals, party symbols, and promotional photos of candidates. Voting-day reminders and voter-related information appeared alongside campaign creatives.
The information shared digital voter ID slip formats, polling booth numbers, and constituency details. Some messages were automated. Others came directly from party workers.
"I received a WhatsApp message with my booth number along with a poster of the candidate," said Saket Tiwari, a resident from Mahal. Others reported receiving multiple such messages. These messages combined polling information with promotional content. This indicated intensified last-day digital outreach by political parties.
Residents Express Frustration with Repeated Calls
Another resident, Seema Patil from Itwari, said she received six calls on Monday. "Last week it was one or two calls a day, but today it suddenly increased. Some numbers keep repeating, while others are new," she explained. Many residents expressed similar frustration with the constant interruptions.
Election officials earlier maintained that campaigning through public meetings, door-to-door canvassing, and rallies must stop once the silence period begins. However, residents said recorded calls continued until late afternoon on Tuesday. This raised questions about adherence to the model code of conduct.
Election Officials Respond to Complaints
A senior election official addressed the issue. The official said that complaints related to campaign communication are examined on a case-by-case basis. "If any communication is found to violate the model code of conduct during the silence period, appropriate action is taken as per rules," the official stated. The official emphasized that each complaint receives individual attention to ensure fair electoral practices.
The surge in automated political communication highlights the growing use of technology in election campaigns. It also underscores the challenges voters face in managing unsolicited contact during sensitive polling periods.
