Congress goes tech-savvy in Karnataka

"Do not crib about dwindling infrastructure. Walk to the nearest polling booth and vote to bring a stable government and ensure development..." This message is part of an SMS campaign launched by the Congress in Karnataka.

Congress leaders in the state say this is part of the strategy to attract youth into the party.

The Congress, which is trying to portray itself as tech-savvy, is using a Bangalore-based call centre owned by it to send the messages across to mobile users.

Former Karnataka chief minister S M Krishna, who is known to tech savvy, is among the first Congressmen to use this technology.

Persons close to Krishna told rediff.com that the former chief minister also plans to use FM radio stations during his

campaign.

His supporters say it is impossible to reach out to everyone in big cities like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Most residents in these cities belong to the working class and hence may not be available at home. Hence, radio and SMS would be the best way to reach out to them.

The Congress also believes that most people employed in the IT sector do not cast their vote and hence there is a need to create awareness regarding the same.

"We will soon start messaging on the need to vote and bring a difference," sources close to Krishna said.

The SMS will be sent to mobile phone numbers picked randomly through a directory.

The Congress in Karnataka seems to have taken a cue from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which was earlier known for using technology to reach out to the common man.