HYDERABAD: With just seven weeks for the State to go for polls, political party representatives are making beelines to motor vehicle customisation shops getting jobs done for their campaign vehicles - from customised body paint to additional fittings like LED screens, hydraulic platforms and flashing lights and are leaving no stone unturned to make their party symbol register with the voters.
The customization costs anywhere between Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh depending on whether one goes for a complete makeover or just gets external modifications done. Besides this, there is also the cost of purchasing the vehicle itself and hiring a driver. While some aspirants are renting out the vehicles from acquaintances, many with deep pockets are going for brand new cars.
“We are taking customisation orders only if a customer is purchasing the vehicle brand new. Pre-owned cars are not being modified by our personnel,” said a representative of Mahindra showroom. “There are preset modifications that we offer from which buyers can choose”, the representative explained.
Meanwhile, drivers who ferry the aspirants across their respective constituency are hand-picked to ensure legal compliance as well. Mypal Reddy, a coordinator for BLF explained, “Drivers are selected after background checks for a 45-day contract period. Advances are paid to keep their identity proofs with us as a security measure.” S Raju, a driver, said, “Having been an Ola driver, I know all the places in and around the city. A few days back, my friend told me that an aspiring MLA required a driver. I readily accepted hoping for a good pay”.
Enforcement on vehicles from November 12
Though many vehicles are being customized for election campaigning, none have yet been registered with the Regional Transport Office post-customization, as per rules. “Any vehicle without a due permit will be deemed unauthorised for campaigning and penalties will be imposed. Misuse can also lead to the vehicles being impounded besides cases being registered against owners and occupants of the vehicle,” a senior RTO officer, said