Poll fervour at its peak at Ganjam tea stalls

The ubiquitous tea stalls - popularised this poll season by Narendra Modi - have caught the fancy of parties in Odisha's Ganjam district with candidates visiting the tea joints every morning to reach out to people.
Former Union minister and Congress candidate for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, the party's assembly nominee Bikram Panda and sitting MLA and BJD assembly candidate R C Chyaupatnaik have all realised the importance of the tea stalls in social life.
"Before I start moving around the town to campaign, I meet my friends and elders near tea stalls," said Sahu.
Similarly, BJP candidates Rama Chandra Panda and Siba Shankar Das are targeting morning walkers.

"Morning is the best time to meet people before they go out for the day's work. Moreover, the tea stall is an appropriate place to meet people and also catch up with old friends," said a candidate. People gather at tea stalls after their morning walk and exercise.
Such stalls in Berhampur town can be spotted at places like the old bus stand, Girija Square, Kamapalli, Arnapurna market, near Khallikote college ground, medical college ground and urban bank road.
"It's the best way to connect with people before we start campaigning," said Rama Chandra Panda. His partyman Das distributes saffron caps over a cup of tea.

BJD's Chyaupatnaik, who is back in action after ailing for the past two months, said, "Though I am physically weak, I am mentally quite strong." The sitting MLA visited Maa Budhi Thakurani temple here on Tuesday to seek the blessings of the Goddess for the April 10 election.