PTC Web Desk: In an unusual turn of events, condoms have become unexpected tools in the political campaigns ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh. Both major political parties in the state, the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the leading opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), have been distributing condom packets featuring their party symbols, creating a buzz on social media.
A viral video circulating on various platforms shows party cadres distributing condom packs marked with the symbols of either the YSRCP or the TDP to voters. In one segment of the video, a person claiming to be a TDP worker justifies the distribution by stating, “If many children are there, more money has to be distributed, that’s why these condoms are being distributed.” The condom packets were included in kits distributed during door-to-door campaigns conducted by party leaders in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha electons.
సిద్ధం..సిద్ధం అంటూ కేకలు పెట్టేది ఇందుకా ? ఇలాంటి నీచపు ప్రచారాలు చేసే బదులు శవాల మీద చిల్లర ఏరుకోవచ్చు కదా @YSRCParty ?#YCPAntham #WhyAPHatesJagan #2024JaganNoMore #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/RBWftNefxo
— Telugu Desam Party (@JaiTDP) February 21, 2024
Both political parties, however, have accused each other of resorting to such tactics despite engaging in similar actions. The YSRCP, expressing its disapproval on X (formerly Twitter), questioned the TDP’s campaign strategy. They stated, “Distributing condoms to people for their party campaign. What kind of publicity madness is this? Will they start giving out Viagra next? At least stop there. Otherwise, it will only worsen the decline,” referring to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party leader.
In response, the TDP countered by posting a similar condom pack featuring the YSRCP logo, questioning if this is the “preparedness ‘siddam'” the YSRCP was talking about. The term ‘siddam’ is used in Telugu to refer to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s political campaigns.
This unique utilisation of condoms in political campaigns has sparked debates on social media, with citizens expressing a mix of amusement and criticism. The move highlights the extent to which political parties are willing to go to gain attention and influence public opinion in the run-up to the elections in Andhra Pradesh. The use of safe-sex symbolism in political campaigning adds an unexpected dimension to the already charged political atmosphere in the state.
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