Selfie seems to be the current mantra that sells easily with the youth during the ongoing electioneering. No matter which party or front the candidate belongs to, no matter their popularity and busyness, all candidates have been found obliging to the frequent demands from youngsters for a selfie.
For the youth, getting a selfie with their favourite candidate is an opportunity to show off in their groups. Most of them circulate their selfies in their WhatsApp groups and cherish the comments they get for their Facebook postings.
For candidates too, it is more than a selfie with the youngsters they meet for the first time. “A selfie is often a window to a handful of fresh votes,” said P.K. Basheer, MLA seeking re-election in the the Ernad constituency. Several other candidates too shared Mr. Basheer's opinion.
Some candidates like Aryadan Shoukath, excel in capturing selfies and brandishing them in circles that help him win appreciation. A few days ago, Mr. Shoukath was seen excitedly clicking selfies at an Adivasi wedding at Nedumkayam, near Nilambur.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy the other day paid the price of yielding to the demands of youngsters for a selfie at Perinthalmanna. Mr. Chandy suffered minor wounds on his foot when a glass pane collapsed under pressure from those who rushed for selfies with him.
Typical of his style, he obliged to the demands as much as he could and proceeded to take treatment for the wound at a private hospital at Perinthalmanna.
However, some candidates, requesting anonymity, pointed out that selfies were taking away their time. “When we oblige to a small group, several others too start demanding to pose for a selfie. Because of elections, we can’t refuse either,” said one of the MLAs seeking re-election in Malappuram district.
“That’s exactly we want. We know this is our time. They (candidates) will do anything for us now,” said Mohammed Shakir, student at a parallel college here.
