Jaya starts campaign highlighting govt achievements

Chennai, Mar 31 (UNI) AIADMK General Secretary and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today kickstarted her whirlwind campaign for the May 8 Assembly poll, with an appeal to the electorate to vote the AIADMK back to power for continuation of her 'golden rule' in Tamil Nadu.

The AIADMK supremo began electioneering after offering prayers at a temple in Saidapet here.

In a departure from the style of campaign followed in the 2004 Lok Sabha poll where she launched a no-holds-barred attack on the Opposition, Ms Jayalalithaa chose to dwell on the achievements of her government during the last five years.

''I have not failed you for the confidence reposed in me. In fact, I have exceeded your expectations and the achievements had been appreciated not only by other states but also by other nations.'' Farmers social security scheme, free text books for students from first to 12th standard, free cycle to Plus one and Plus two students, PDS rice at Rs 3.50 per kg - lowest in India, low power tariff, free power to farmers pumpsets, free dhoti and saree to 3.28 crore people, creation of women self-help groups and 'annadhanam' at places of worship were some notable achievements of her government, she said.

Though the UPA Government at the Centre hiked fuel price five times, the AIADMK Government had maintained bus fares at the lowest in the country, she claimed.

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