Hectic campaigning in local polls

Chennai, Oct 10 (UNI) The autorickshaw fitted with a gas cylinder careens on the narrow street, trying to avoid potholes and pedestrians, while a loudspeaker loudly exhorts the people to vote for the candidate with the 'explosive' symbol.

The 'autorickshaw processions' are becoming longer and more frequent with just a day left for campaigning. The traffic snarls they cause are just part of the day out for the denizens of the city! The three-wheelers are the choicest mode of campaigning for all the political parties, as their drivers are knowledgeable about every nook and cranny of the city. These fitted with a megaphone belt out taped messages at top volume, a mothod easy and inexpensive.

Old film songs, specially MGR hits have made a big comeback. Less tuneful are the army style marches replete with drums and trumpets, or those who yell their messages on mikes that seem immune to their own decibel levels! 'We have never seen such a keenly contested local body elections,' is the refrain adding that this type of frenzy was not there even for the Assembly polls, just a few months ago.

The reason, observers say, is that the ruling DMK wants to consolidate its grip by gaining power in Panchayats and Municipalities, apart from setting to rest charges that it is a minority government, bolstered by allies.

For the AIADMK, it seems a do or die battle with another chance at the hustings for power at the state level seeming remote, as the rival alliance has stabilised after initial hiccups.

Apart from the two alliances, the Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) of actor Vijayakanth, which won one seat in the Assembly polls (Vijayakanth himself), is trying its luck once again.

Street corner meetings are also part of the campaign, along with door to door visits. Every hopeful is promised votes and token freebies are accepted gladly. Public meetings at urban centres have received good attendance. The ruling alliance's meetings stress achievements and fulfilment of poll promises like free colour TVs, while the opposition reiterates that its all one big lie.

Come polling day, and it will be known whether the people of the state choose to keep local administration compatible with the regime at the Secretariat, and, Centre, or decide to keep the latter on their toes by voting a different party to power at the grassroot level.

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