In politics, reel life and real life make connections in strange ways indeed.
Journalists, who attended a press meet of Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader P. Kannan, were treated to not just the customary cup of tea but a few tunes too.
Taking a cue from ‘the classic Tamil song, ‘Koduthavane Parithukondandi’ from the film ‘Thanga Padumai,’ which translates as the one who provided took back what he gave, Mr. Kannan said that this might happen to a section of politicians in Puducherry.
Perhaps to drive his point home, the MP even sang the operative couplet from this song a few times during the press meet, much to the amusement of all. On another occasion, when a reporter asked how many people would attend the rally, Mr. Kannan repeated a ‘punchline’ from Rajinikanth starter ‘Baasha.’
This drew a peal of laughter from the reporters.
The press meet though was held for far from reasons of entertainment. Mr. Kannan announced that he would be holding a protest rally against the government on deterioration of law and order on November 27.
Popular among kids
His popularity is well known. The larger-than-life cut-outs of Chief Minister N. Rangasamy put up on the occasion of his birthday every year are almost legendary.
At a recent programme, Mr. Rangasamy had a pleasant surprise when school students greeted him with the loudest cheers and whistles, ones that are probably seen when a popular film star’s arrival is announced.
His late arrival at most programmes notwithstanding, the audience are often obliging enough to wait a while.
Lack of security
Glaring loopholes in the security at the Assembly have once again been exposed.
On Thursday, an ‘unusual’ visitor entered the campus. He did not sneak in but strolled in as if he owned the property. No questions were asked as he confidently walked through the gates.
The person, aged about 30 years, headed to the chamber of Government Whip G. Nehru.
Once inside, he started arguing for a job and demanded allotment of a house. Onlookers said Mr. Nehru launched his own verbal volleys when the gate-crasher used a few unparliamentary words.
Later, the Grand Bazaar police nabbed the person, who identified himself as Kumar of Mudaliarpet. Mr. Nehru gave strict directions to the police to get their act together and not allow such persons - in this case someone who even has a chain-snatching case against him - inside and also wanted them to deal stringently with trespassers.
