A baul (Bengali folk singer) has been travelling across the state, preaching about peaceful polls and appealing to people to refrain from violence during voting.

Swapan Dutta, 58, was in Malda on Wednesday. Throughout the day, he conveyed his message for a peaceful election to political workers and electors through songs.

“Shantipurno vote dao, shanti vongo koro na/ Jaat paat dhormer bhedabheder, prolobhone poro naa (Cast your votes peacefully, Do not breach peace/ Do not be instigated by the divisions over caste, creeds or religions),” sang Dutta, while strumming his ektara (a one-stringed musical instrument).

The tune and the lyrics slowly made people gather near the district collectorate where he was singing.

“Ganatantre astha rekho mon/ Ganatantrer aitijhyo rakha koro sorbokshon (Keep your faith in democracy/ preserve the dignity of the democracy),” was his appeal to the voters.

“I do this voluntarily. I have no sponsorship or financial support. My respect for democracy prompted me to take up this mission. I have a family of eight members, including my 84-year-old mother,” said the baul from Khwaja Anwar Ber in East Burdwan district.

Occasionally, Dutta said, he gets financial assistance from people.

“I am not a beggar. I rather consider myself as a messenger of democracy. Therefore, I stepped out of my home the next day after the general election was declared,’’ he said.

So far, he has covered Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Malda districts.

“I cannot afford the fare for an e-rickshaw or a bus. Therefore, I move by train and take my bicycle with me. I get down at stations and pedal around, passing the message through my songs,” the singer said.

Dutta proudly showed his audience the appreciation he received from Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India, and certificates from the office of the chief electoral officer.

“The violent incidents, during and after the elections, nudged me. Innocent people were killed and mothers lost their sons. This cannot go on. I believe music alone can melt the hearts of people and can leave a message to them,” he said.

From Thursday, Dutta will start his south Bengal tour. He plans to go to Sandeshkhali, Bhangar and some other trouble-torn areas.

What Dutta expects in exchange for his voluntary service to democracy is recognition from the government and the Election Commission, which would encourage him further to go a long way.