With only a day left for the much-awaited general elections, the fervour for the ensuing polls is at its peak in the city.

Discussions at the “khatti” or gossip points about the favourite candidates are heating up while the campaigning has also reached the pinnacle since parties have time till only Tuesday evening.

Ever since political parties began electioneering on March 29, text messages, phone calls, emails and television presence of the candidates dominated the campaigning as compared to road shows owing to advancement in technology compared to the last general elections.

“I have been getting calls that have recorded voice of candidates asking for votes. These calls on my mobile phone show unusual numbers that are usually shorter than mobile numbers. Then there are constant messages from candidates with vote appeals. Though this is better than all the loud road shows, this too tries your patience at times,” said Manisha Patnaik, a postgraduate student.

Some youngsters have also received e-mails from various candidates.

“I don’t know how they got my e-mail but I do not mind going through the manifesto and understanding the candidates contesting from my area so that I am able to take a well-informed decision,” said Sujit Hota, a corporate employee.

Discussions on various candidates can be overheard everywhere in the city.

From vegetable markets to grocery stores and tea stalls to autorickshaw rides, voters are busy debating and putting across their points about the right leader.

“At my eatery, evenings are full of discussions on the elections. There are many who support Modi while there are others opposing him. When it comes to the Assembly polls, there is a lot of pro-Naveen discussion but many also feel that Odisha should get a new leader,” said Krishna Rao, who runs a kiosk selling snacks.

Many residents said they would be missing all the importance given to them by big political leaders and famous celebrities from Wednesday.

“Once the campaigning is over, we would again become the public from who the celebrities run and protect themselves. Politicians would also elude us then on. It was a nice experience to see film stars and former ministers come to our houses with folded hands,” said Bhawani Behera, a resident of Baramunda.

Party members and candidates are glad that they left no stone unturned to reach the people.

“We sent bulk SMS to residents who come under Ekamra constituency. We also tried our best to reach people and meet them and understand their issues,” said Rashmi Mohapatra, an Independent candidate.

Veteran actor Bijay Mohanty, who is contesting for the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat with a Congress ticket, said the party members had worked hard and were hoping to have made a mark in the hearts of people.

“We were received very well wherever we went. Despite tough weather conditions in this sweltering heat, I went door to door everyday in a different area, at times standing in an open jeep, or walking or even riding pillion on motorcycles. We are expecting good support,” he said.