Election Day Diary (Part 2 - Death to SMS Campaigns)
I received about four SMSes on my mobile, two from 'CONGRESS' and 'JDS' (names of the senders) respectively, imploring me to vote for the candidates they fielded in a few constituencies in South Bangalore, and this form of campaigning had me quite incensed for about twenty seconds until I deleted that message.
I made a mental note to never vote for anyone who would ask for my vote by SMS. If not for having had that same number for five years now, I don't think I would have had any qualms about contacting my service provider and blasting them off to kingdom come for having divulged information, were they responsible, and going far enough to change my number and service provider.
However, these parties with substantial clout and money would have probably been able to send messages to numbers en masse, without having to contact service providers.
I am of the firm opinion that the most sincere candidate with good intentions should win, rather than someone who can spend a lot of money, though the latter is usually the one who comes up on top.
The Election Commission should probably look into the matter of SMS campaigning for I am of the opinion that most normal people wouldn't take to this too kindly.