Vatal goes nuts to raise poll funds

Stubbornly eccentric Kannada activist sells coconuts today at Rs 100 a piece. Remember, the coconut is his election symbol

Vatal goes nuts to raise poll funds

Stubbornly eccentric Kannada activist sells coconuts today at Rs 100 a piece. Remember, the coconut is his election symbol

Vatal Nagaraj, contesting the Bangalore South seat, will sell coconuts today to raise funds for his election campaign.

The Kannada activist and candidate of the Kannada Chaluvali Vatal Paksha, a party named after himself, will sell each coconut for Rs 100.

Vatal's election symbol is a coconut.u00a0 "This is my way of raising funds and awareness about my symbol," he said.

Animal puja

Vatal is famous for his unconventional demonstrations.

Yesterday, he performed puja for a donkey, a dog, a camel, a cow, and a buffalo.

"I don't believe in these swamijis and their institutions... these animals are more sincere than swamijis," he said.

He wants to work for the Kannada cause, and help young people find jobs. He is supported by his daughter Anupama, who goes campaigning with him. "My son is ill and I can't go out much this time, but I hope my father wins," said Anupama Vatal.

Other mavericks

C V Giddappa, credit card consumer activist and independent candidate from Bangalore Central
u00a0"I sent out more than 5 lakh SMS-es asking people in my constituency if I should contest. Nearly a lakh said I should. So I am campaigning with a party symbol an Alamari" (cupboard).

Capt Gopinath, budget airline guru and independent candidate from Bangalore South
He is boarding BMTC buses and talking to his voters, and also taking morning park walks to garner voter support.u00a0u00a0

Zameer Ahmed, JD(S) candidate from Bangalore Central
The Kumaraswamy loyalist hosted a mass wedding and gave away 40 gram of gold to each couple last time. This time, he has reportedly promised a Haj trip to any Muslim who's interested.u00a0

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