‘Chuha’ meets creep out of shadows

Mumbai: It’s a time for ‘chuha meetings’ in the city after canvassing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls came to an end on Sunday evening. In a desperate bid to ensure their victory, candidates are trying to use these meetings to woo voters.

Chuha baithaks (rat meetings) are secret gatherings held by candidates and parties after the deadline for campaigning gets over. They are also organised to give directions to workers with respect to the polling day programme. They are called chuha meetings, as they are normally held at night to escape the eyes of poll officers just as rats come out of burrows at night to escape predators.

According to sources, the chuha meetings are normally held in housing societies and slum pockets. Money and liquor are being used liberally at these meetings to lure voters, sources said. Such meetings assume greater significance in the civic body polls, as every vote is considered important. The ward-level elections have always been keenly fought contests, due to which candidates leave no stone unturned to keep the voters “contented.”

After the deadline for campaigning for the BMC polls concluded at 5 pm on Sunday, several candidates across the city resorted to meeting prominent citizens, which included religious heads and chiefs of local organisations, in their wards seeking their support.

However, to avail their backing candidates have to splurge generously on their demands, which vary from donations, cable fees, free picnics, etc., apart from doling out money and liquor.