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Indian Spiderman climbs on buildings while campaigning for polls

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ANI Mumbai
Last Updated : Apr 23 2014 | 2:35 PM IST

An independent candidate, also known as the Indian Spiderman, hangs from balconies and climbs buildings to campaign for parliamentary polls in Mumbai, which is due to vote in an election this week.

Gaurav Sharma, who is a martial arts trainer and a fitness consultant, drew inspiration from comic book superhero Peter Parker, and was seen jumping from one window to another asking voters to solicit their support.

Dressed in Spiderman's costume, Sharma convinces people in his southern Mumbai constituency that he would use his super powers to change their lives once he becomes their representative.

But Sharma says his aim is also to encourage people to achieve their dreams by climbing ladders and passing all barriers.

"Yes, of course. When I climb buildings, it is more of me climbing building and motivating the youth, motivating the people that you can overcome your barriers, problems and issues of your life. It is just that you don't have to be giving up on all your small-small problems. Just overcome it. Just stand tall and take responsibility of things," said Sharma.

The unique style of his campaign where he shuns the traditional door-to-door campaign has generated a lot of buzz among residents of southern Mumbai.

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"For the first time, I was surprised. I had seen him only in news and television, but he came practically, so I was shocked for the first time. He was asking for votes in a different style so it was very good. Actually there are many parties for whom people will vote for. I hope Gaurav wins because he is very helpful and he comes at once when we call. So, I pray that Gaurav Sharma wins," said a first-time voter, Jia.

Sharma, 31, hogged limelight when he had scaled one of the tallest buildings in Mumbai in just 90 minutes wearing his favourite superhero costume. However, now he wants to work for people of the country.

"It is not only me who is tired of the same MPs returning to power. I don't know how they win. If you see from Colaba till Parel (areas in Mumbai), there are issues like CRZ (Coastal regulation zone), redevelopment, child labour and lack of water and sanitary facilities, and still people are voting for these same contestants. I don't know how and why? But, there is still some hope, as there are 45 to 50 percent people who used to vote, but this time, I am standing for 100 percent voting in this election and I want that all those 14 to 15 lakh people should come down and elect one nice guy," said Sharma.

Six constituencies in Mumbai will go to polls on April 24 where voters living in posh localities in luxurious bungalows will come out and cast their ballot.

The fate of the Indian Spiderman along with other 115 candidates in the fray would be decided on April 24.

"I am campaigning window-to-window so that people gather and they get to know more about me and they spread this word excitedly saying that there was a Spiderman campaigning about his MP (parliamentary) elections. So, it is going great and it is like viral," said Sharma, who has been touring every house and apartment to garner support.

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First Published: Apr 23 2014 | 2:20 PM IST

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