MUMBAI, 23 JULY, 2020 (GPN): Nallasopara, MLA Kshitij Thakur says he and his party workers have been organising food and ration distribution since the beginning of the lockdown. Large kitchens have been organised to cook food for those who need it. To ensure social distancing, groups have been made over WhatsApp. “Smaller WhatsApp groups have been made in various zones and each is connected to the nearest kitchen. The requirement is sent to these kitchens from where distribution happens. Unless there’s an emergency, we have told the party workers not to visit the office.” The only time he has stepped out in a public gathering was for a blood donation camp, in an attempt to show that it was still safe to donate blood, he felt physical presence would encourage the cause.

Where one could walk into a political office to seek help in person, these parties say, their social media presence, built over the last few years helps at a time when non-essential commute is not encouraged. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook can be of help when residents are unable to contact a local party operative or reach out on the helpline numbers of the party websites.

And, while that may hold good for a few months, how will the typical election campaign play out during the time of social distancing?

“People are with us, we have our work to show, Vasai region needs proper development, it gets flooded several times every monsoon and we are taking necessary action and precautions to combat Covid-19 pandemic along with the Monsoons affected areas” says Kshitij,  whose party controls the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation.ENDS