Anubhav Mohanty and Pappu Pom Pom campaign for BJD ahead of the civic polls in Berhampur. Pictures by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 19: Voters across the state were seen flocking to catch a glimpse of celebrity campaigners such as Pappu Pom Pom. But, the starstruck crowd seemed more interested in their acts than their political sermons.

The municipal elections, which are seen as a dress rehearsal for the 2014 Assembly elections, were conducted today.

The campaigning, which concluded on Tuesday, was a star-studded affair. While a few film stars were seen urging the public to vote for the party they supported, it was television personalities who dominated the canvassing for parties.

Having joined the BJD, film star Anubhav Mohanty and actor-turned-MP Sidhant Mohapatra were among the most high-profile celebrity campaigners for these civic polls. Similarly, actor Bijay Mohanty campaigned for Congress.

But, it was the television heavyweights who appeared in large numbers to encourage the contestants for the civic polls.

Wherever comedian Pappu Pom Pom went to campaign, there was a huge crowd following him. The public seemed more interested in catching a witty one-liner from Pappu than the sermons on voting. Though he is a regular television artiste, he has also made his place as the most sought after comedian in films and was seen campaigning for the BJD.

Another celebrity television actor, Kuna Tripathy, was a guest campaigner in the Congress camp. He, too, pulled fans wherever he went.

Reality show host Sunita Garabadu was seen electioneering for the Congress. The lead of another teleserial, Lipsa, was seen convincing voters to choose the political party she was cheering for.

“I am glad to be a part of the campaigning rally. By doing this, I have found out how popular I have become in the first year of my television appearance among people in all corners of the state. But more importantly, I also help people to choose a party that I think is going to help them solve various civic issues,” said Lipsa.

Television hostess Sulagna Routray, who enjoys a large following, was seen canvassing for young candidates in Balasore.

Asked if she was supporting any particular party, she denied being associated with any. “I was in Balasore to encourage a few young candidates. I have not seen such focused young politicians and I believe that the youth will lead the change for the state. I was there to urge college-goers to cast their votes and support their favourite college mates who are contesting for the designation of councillors,” said Sulagna.