Campaigning in Goan style!

If it were not for the huge banners and the occasional sloganeering, the scene would appear to be one of merry making and festivity. But this is no festival, it is Churchill Alemao's poll campaign.

If it were not for the huge banners and the occasional sloganeering, the scene would appear to be one of merry making and festivity.

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But this is no festival, it is Churchill Alemao, a former NSA detainee and Congress candidate from Mormugoa constituency, campaigning in his distinct style.

Alemao, known for his colourful personality is not one to resort to the cliches of campaigning, and his method of using `tiatra' (traditional form of theatre), musical bands playing full blast and impromptu roadshows, livens up the otherwise dull campaign in Goa this time around.

Alemao, who is in a neck-to-neck fight with sitting MP Ramakant Angle of the BJP, scores points for his unique campaign, which generally hits full steam after sunset, when Goans come out to sit in village corners and the numerous bars that dot the state.

He brings in `tiatra' groups to attract voter attention, while interspersing his speeches with music and drama, ensuring that the spectators are not bored enough to walk away.

His roadshows too are akin to the President's entourage trundling along Rajpath, led by a fleet of motorcycles, a truck with music and singers, and then Churchill himself, in an open jeep, waving to passers-by and stopping now and then for a impromptu meeting.

"He is very tuned in to what will attract the voter. Goans with their passion for music and dance are interested enough to listen to him," says a Congress worker.

Interestingly, Alemao's campaign manager is Francisco Sardinha, the man who defeated him in the 1998 election to win the Mormugoa seat.