Boosting its image as a political force to reckon with, the Tamil Manila Congress (TMC), led by former Union Minister G.K. Vasan, in a span of five months, has managed to attract around 40 lakh persons to the party across Tamil Nadu.
TMC leaders have managed to get 40 lakh application forms filled since the drive began in January. It is a staggering number for a newly floated party, even if it is in its second ‘avatar,’ and Mr. Vasan is extremely happy with the progress, say his associates. “Our first target is 50 lakh members,” they say.
The figure assumes significance in comparison to what the BJP, through its ‘missed call campaign,’ could achieve. Despite the easy method of enrolling, the saffron party , which has positioned itself as an alternative to the DMK and the AIADMK, has managed to enlist just 32 lakh members. This figure was made public by Union Minister Piyush Goyal during his visit to Tiruvallur last week.
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According to TMC leaders, stringent verification process has been put in place to check the authenticity of those enrolling. “We are perhaps the first party to provide smart cards to members. This will have all details about the person in a digital format,” says a former MLA.
The aim is to ensure two thousand “effective members” in each Assembly constituency. An ‘effective member’ is one who enrols at least 15 persons.
TMC sources said the response from the Cauvery delta districts has been the best, followed by Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. In other words, Mr. Vasan has made inroads into the Congress base, which is traditionally stronger in southern districts.
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In the meantime, the party general council is expected to appoint leaders to crucial posts at its general council meeting on April 24. Sources said former MLA Peter Alphonse, former TNCC president B.S. Gnanadesikan, former Union Minister S.R. Balasubramanian and a few others are likely to be given key posts.