Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi   

Strict vigil casts its shadow on campaigning

By Syed Muthahar

TIRUCHI, MAY 9 . Though the political parties have geared for tomorrow's polling, campaigning never picked up in Tiruchi, Pudukottai and Perambalur districts, thanks to the strict enforcement of the code of conduct, and the drawn-out campaign period.

In the past, elections meant cars, jeeps, trucks and autorickshaws; cut outs and banners were ubiquitous. But, not this time round. Campaigning proved a tough exercise for the candidates as well as cadres, as they had to face several odds.

Money was said to be the main cause. While the supporters of even major parties complain that the candidates did not loosen their purse strings, the candidates are sore that the long campaign period had left them financially weak.

These central districts did not witness much political activity during the 70-day campaign period, except when the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president, M. Karunanidhi, and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary, Vaiko, toured Tiruchi, Pudukottai and Perambalur (reserved) constituencies. The momentum generated by their visits could not be sustained.

The strict vigil on election expenses and the restrictions on the use of banners, party flags and festoons have affected traders. Those engaged in making cut outs and party symbols have also felt the pinch. The restrictions forced the candidates to change their style of campaigning. The candidates also desisted from lavish spending, fearing complaints from the opponents, said a leader of a major political party. The cadres claim that they do not want to cause problems to their candidates by violating norms, and hence their restraint.

Though the people could not witness the usual pomp and splendour of election this time, they were happy that they were saved from the deafening noise. Vehicles fitted with blaring loudspeakers criss-crossing thoroughfares and interior lanes even in hamlets have become a thing of the past.

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• Arrangements complete in Tiruchi constituency
• Strict vigil casts its shadow on campaigning
• Heavy rain in Tiruchi
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