Automated calls from leaders irk residents

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 16

Automated phone calls from various party leaders and local candidates have become a headache for the common man during the ongoing election process. The residents have been receiving calls from almost all the main political parties.

In an automated voice message, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is heard delivering his speech in Punjabi. He alleges that the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal have been working in alliance. Similarly, there are voice messages from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to mobilise the people against suicides by farmers and drug addiction among the youth. Not only senior leaders of the political parties, local candidates are also heard sending automated voice messages.

Moreover, the representatives of unknown survey agencies also make calls to the people and ask them about their opinion.

However, some of the residents have been receiving five to 10 calls and messages daily. The residents are upset with these unwanted calls and messages. People want the Election Commission to keep a check on this practice.

Gurpreet Singh, a local resident, said, “I don’t know how political parties get my mobile number and location. I have been receiving text messages from the local candidate. Yesterday, I got a call from an unknown number in which they delivered a message asking to vote in favour of Captain Amarinder Singh.”

Said Ravi, a student, “I often receive calls from senior political leaders. When they start their propaganda, I disconnect the phone. I don’t like such stuff.”