Bengaluru; Here is a classic example of gullible people believing or taking rumours spread by politicians seriously. A few political parties, during the canvassing of Lok Sabha elections, have assured voters to deposit Rs 2,000 in their accounts every month. Some of the politicians, either lacking knowledge or taking a ride on hapless voters, have told them to open an Indian Post Payments Bank (IPPB) account at the General Post Office in the city.

It has resulted in an unusual rush at the General Post Office on Raj Bhavan Road. Generally, 50 or 60 people used to open IPPB accounts on a daily basis at the GPO before the announcement of Lok Sabha elections. "Now, more than 700 people have gathered every day since the end of the first phase polling of Lok Sabha elections. We are finding it tough to control the crowd,'' said Chief Postmaster HM Manjesha. 

The Chief Postmaster has said that the GPO employees have been busy in announcing through the public address system advising the people to visit their nearest Post Office and there is no need for them to come all the way to the GPO. "We have been trying our best to educate the people but in vain. We have taken help from the police to ensure people wait in the queue. We have assigned seven of our employees to open the IPPB accounts for around 700 people per day. There are occasions where our employees work extra time to ensure all those waiting in the queue go home only after opening their IPPB account,'' said the Chief Postmaster.

He said that all the Post Offices in Bengaluru have the facility to open IPPB accounts for the public. "I do not know why the people from far away places are coming to the GPO. We cannot refuse to open the IPPB accounts if people approach us. It is our duty,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Pushpa from Tannery Road has said that she has come all the way to open the account because a politician has advised her to open the account at the GPO. "I have been waiting since morning to open an IPPB account. I do not know when the GPO employees will complete the process,'' said Pushpa.

Parveen, a resident of Kaval Byrasandra has said that she had to return home on Friday without opening the account as there was a long queue. "I expect to open the IPPB account today. I have to come tomorrow if I fail to open the IPPB account today,'' said Parveen.

Another woman from Thanisandra, pleading anonymity, has said that she wanted to open the account at the nearest Post Office but somebody advised her to visit the GPO.