Massive planned efforts were made by both BJP and Congress. Both the parties are attaching great importance to the elections because they are being held only one year ahead of Vidhan Sabha elections which are due in November 2023. Both the parties are attaching great importance to these elections because their verdict will give broad indications to who will capture power in 2023.

Among the two parties BJP is making all out efforts to capture maximum number of local bodies. An episode can be cited to substantiate the impression that extraordinary importance BJP is attaching. BJP National executive has held its meeting in Hyderabad. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP president went to Hyderabad to attend the meeting. But both left for Bhopal even though meeting was still half way.

Though BJP is leaving no stone unturned for capturing maximum of local bodies but one fact is being noted by observers. That is the party does not appear that united as it used to be. Reports are coming about differenced among party leaders over the selection of candidates in various regions. For example adequate importance had not been given to Jyotiraditya Scindia even in the areas where he wields influence. According to one report, his photograph is missing from the election propaganda material.

Though Congress and BJP are major rivals in the local body polls, AAP has also made surprise entry. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal while addressing a public meeting in Singrauli appealed to people to give a chance to his party. He said "Vote for all those who are contesting for the post of corporators. I tell you we will change Singrauli in 5 years. If we do not work, I will not come to seek votes the next time. For so many years you have tried other parties, try Kejriwal for once. I am not that bad.’

"If anyone falls ill in Delhi, no matter what the disease, the Delhi government provides treatment. We made energy available for 24 hours and made it free. We made energy free in Punjab also. Where do we get the money? It is from honesty and in putting an end to corruption" Kejriwal Said.

Though most of the candidates are using traditional methods to woo voters there are some exceptions who are using unique methods. One such candidate is Mohammed Ashraf. In his 30s he is a Bhopal Municipal Corporation candidate with a marked difference. He is going it alone, literally. On a minimal budget he drives his own SUV fitted with a loudspeaker. Power windows and power steering ease his drive through ward 22 (Ginnouri). Unless told, one might assume he is canvassing for someone else, He has recorded his own voiceover with a unmissable appeal to vote for his symbol, hockey ball. For the novice, typical dialect it sounds 'Haaki ball' When he is not contesting elections he is singing bhajans in Devi Jagran and Sundar Kand at people's homes and institutions (as mentioned on his pamphlet).

There is one more unique feature of the current local body election. In the first two phases of Panchayat elections, women voters outnumber male in several districts. Not only that, women also outnumbered male as participants in various activities connected with poll campaign. In at least 8 districts females have outnumbered males in stepping out and exercising their voting rights in both phases of Panchayat elections.

These districts include districts like Morena and Bhind of Chambal known for skewed sex ration and patriarchal society besides the districts like Rewa, Satna and Sidhi. The districts where female voter turnout has been more than males during both the phases include Sidhi, Rewa, Morena, Satna, Katni, Umaria, Panna and Bhind.

The overall voting percentage during the first phase of elections which were held on June 25, across all the districts of state was 78% and in it 77% was female voter turnout and 79% was male voter turnout. But in the same phase there were 10 such districts namely Shivpuri, Sidhi, Rewa, Morena, Satna, Katni, Umaria, Ashok Nagar, Panna and Bhind where female voter turnout was more than males.

And the second phase of Panchayat elections that were held across 47 districts on July 1, overall turnout of 80% was reported wherein 80% female voters turnout was reported and 81% male voter turnout. But during the second phase there were 12 districts namely Sidhi, Bhind, Shahdol, Satna, Rewa, Umaria, Morena, Katni, Panna, Balaghat, Seoni and Betul where more female voter turnout was reported compared to males.

And there were 8 such districts where more female voters voted compared to males in both the phases of Panchayat elections held so far. The third and final phase of Panchayat elections are slated to be held on July 6 in the state. (IPA Service)