Elections are not just about politicians. They are about people and issues. And what really drives their vote.
Catch is, therefore, starting a 'Meet the Voter' series to capture what different impact groups in the poll-bound states are feeling. This is true insight into the upcoming assembly elections: up-close and hyper-personal.
Baapi is a tea vendor on Hill Cart Road in Siliguri. He has a small cart, which he pitches under a tree. He says he earns somewhere between Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 daily.
The 29-year-old father of two hails from Raiganj, but has lived in Siliguri since he was 13. He worked as a garbage collector in a nearby residential locality before he decided to start his own business.
Baapi is going to vote for Bhaichung Bhutia, the Trinamool Congress candidate from Siliguri. "Bhaichung is young and dynamic, and exactly what this city needs. He is a youth leader and has promised to bring in employment and opportunities for the youth of the city," he says of the legendary former football player.
Baapi says Bhaichung has the right intentions for the city and certainly deserves an opportunity. According to him, owing to Bhaichung's popularity, more businesses and industries will be drawn to the city. "It can even be a sports city," he says.
The former India captain's chief rival in the city is the CPI(M)'s four-time MLA Ashok Bhattacharya, who has a massive following. But Baapi feels the city needs a change. "As the generation changes, so must the politician."
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