In election season, Lata Mangeshkar is serving as a musical bridge to connect with voters. Ward 41 Trinamul Congress candidate Ratna Bhaumik arranged a cultural programme at BD Park on Wednesday to enable residents to pay homage to the legendary singer who passed away on Sunday. Residents of nearby blocks participated in the programme.

The show started with Anirban Patra of BD Block reading out a biographical sketch of the legend, followed by a poem written by Debabrata Sarkar. This was followed by poetry teacher and TV voiceover artiste Bula Bagchi, an AC Block resident, reciting a poem. The highlight was block residents singing Lata’s hit songs like Akash pradip jwale and Ja re ure ja re pakhi in chorus.

“We had just one day to rehearse,” said Srijita Sarkar, a clinical psychologist, who performed solo.

Nibedita Mukherjee, 75, who has mobility issues, attended the programme with her house help. “I love to sing but my age will not let me perform. But as I revere Lataji, I came to attend the programme,” she said.

Bhaumik refused to accept that the programme had any political agenda. “I wanted to offer a pleasant evening to residents of my ward and offer tribute to Lataji. We are playing her songs in our campaign vehicle instead of campaign slogans.” She hosted another Lata tribute on February 10 in BC Block.