The local body polls in Kerala state would be held in three phases from December 8. The mask will "speak" more in the upcoming local body elections in Kerala, the first to be held in the southern state adhering to COVID-19 protocols. Cloth masks, with party symbols and messages requesting vote, are seen interesting to voters as the campaign for the three-phased polls is catching up in the state. As restrictions are imposed on marches and mass gatherings and the number of people accompanying candidates for house visits is strictly controlled in the wake of the pandemic, various political parties are exploring new methodology to reach out to voters.

Besides social media platforms, masks have become one of the most sought-after campaign materials in the state. As the date of the election is nearing, several printing presses are flooded with orders from candidates belonging to various political parties.

Thalassery-based CKP Printers has already come out with varieties of multi-colour masks including custom-made ones.   CKP Printers claim that they are getting orders for more than 500 masks. Candidates from all parties are approaching them. But, some candidates from the Congress and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), who are sure about their seats, called up and placed the orders, they added. Multi-colour cotton masks, with the party symbol on one side and the photo of the candidate on the other side, have huge demand. Masks in plain white cloth with the party symbol on one side and appeal for vote on the other side also have many takers. He said Rs 28 is charged for each multi-colour mask.

The local body polls in the state are expected to be a dress rehearsal before the Assembly polls next year. While the first phase on December 8 will be held in five districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki, the second will be on December 10 in Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad.

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