SHILLONG: After music, the Election Department has steered its awareness campaign in another direction with bike and car rallies.
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor flagged off a bike rally, city bicycle ride and a vintage and contemporary jeep parade from the premises of Shillong Club on Saturday under the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation programme.
Clad in the colours of election and white T-shirts that read #GoVote, youngsters participated in the events and lauded the initiative.
The vehicles roared on city streets covering a kilometre to spread awareness on the right to vote.
Mascots, lights, music and an impressive gathering gave a festive feel to the event. Some youths who spoke on the occasion raised their voices against corruption and hoped for a government at the Centre that will work in sync with the northeastern states.
The deputy commissioner and returning officer of East Khasi Hills, Abhishek Bhagotia, told reporters that turnout is usually less in the Lok Sabha polls than the state elections and through initiatives like the bike rally, authorities are trying to reach out to voters.
Alert flying squads
Kharkongor said flying squads have Rs 51 lakh so far and liquor. Extensive frisking and patrolling are being done at all thoroughfares.
On law and order, the CEO said 40 companies of CAPF force will be deployed for the April 11 polls. After the polling four companies will be retained to guard the strong room and counting centre.