Poverty and hunger has pushed several labourers to participate in election campaigns amidst severe heatwave in Andhra Pradesh. Some women were doing campaigning by carrying their toddlers just to get ₹50 or ₹100 more.
“I used to work in construction sites. Due to the hot weather and heatwaves, works are suspended. To feed my family, I am participating in election canvassing,” said B. Grace, a daily wage labourer. “We planned to earn some money by working in catering units this summer. As there are no ‘muhurtams’, there are no marriages and gruhapravesams (housewarming) for the last few days, forcing us to join in the election campaign,” said a labourer couple from Ongole town.
“Thanks to the elections and the leaders engaging us in the campaign. We are able to earn ₹500 a day, with one breakfast and meal, and feed our families,” say the workers of Santanutalapadu in Prakasam district.
