Karnataka Assembly Elections are around the corner and the talks of a substantial voter turnout is the talk of the town. Government agencies and activists have for long found different and creative ways to encourage people to come and vote in large numbers. However, none of the ways seems as extravagant as this!

Creativity scaled newer heights, on Wednesday, where a Kannada activist from Haveri district, in Karnataka, came up with a completely extraordinarily designed wedding card of his marriage, i.e. of a Voter ID. Yes, you heard that right!

Trying to his bit to inspire people to vote on May 12 in Karnataka Assembly Elections, the groom – Sidappa Doddachikkannanavar – came up with this unique idea. One has often seen wedding cards being tailor-made in many styles; be it creative, extravagant, or plain & simple. However, nowhere before one would have heard that a to-be couple is sending out marriage proposals in a style of a veiled ‘Voter ID’ card.

The groom has also extended his wedding invitations to the Haveri Deputy Commissioner Dr Venkatesh and Superintendent of Police Dr K Parashurama. Sidappa is a Railways’ employee and is known popularly to promote the Kannada language in Goa. He is slated to marry Jyoti, a BCom Graduate, in Hangal town in Haveri district, on April 27.

The voter ID card (read: wedding card) has a few intriguing observations. Instead of the official Election Commission of India (ECI) logo, we can see it being replaced by the National Emblem. The ID card serial number – SJMRG27042018 – is unique too. It encrypts the bride and groom’s initials and the date of marriage. Also, the voter’s name can be seen modified to the couple’s name.

As per a report in Bangalore Mirror, he said, “I wanted to do something unique for my wedding to promote Kannada. When I discussed the same with my friend Karibasappa Gondi, a constable, he suggested that we should do something to encourage voting keeping in mind the Assembly elections. With the support of my friend Channabasappa, we designed a wedding card which resembles the voter ID card. Even the fonts and style are the same.”

Siddapa has prepared over 1,200 wedding (Voter ID) cards and has distributed 400 cards amongst the woman’s family members. The Haveri district administration has also applauded the move.

Will the initiative see an increase in voting numbers, is too early to call now! However, the wedding card designed in style of a Voter ID card is one-of-its-kind. Karnataka Assembly Polls will take place on May 12, of which the results will be declared on May 15. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates on Karnataka Assembly Elections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 18, 2018 06:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).