DMDK cadre rev up campaign for Ulundurpet conference

Wall graffiti of DMDK in connection with anti-corruption conference to be held at Ulundurpet on February 2. Photo: M. Moorthy

With just four days left for the “anti-corruption conference” of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) at Ulundurpet, the party cadre are hard pressed for space in public places in the central districts for publicising the meet, as every inch of available public space has been used by AIADMK and DMK cadres.

While the AIADMK has put colourful hoardings and wall writings for the 66 birthday of party general secretary Jayalalithaa, the DMK had matched its arch rival in every aspect to publicise the party’s forthcoming State conference in Tiruchi on February 15 and 16.

The DMDK conference, scheduled for February 2, has also drawn the attention of national and regional parties, as party founder Vijayakanth, who is being wooed by the DMK, the BJP, and the Congress for an alliance, was expected to announce his decision at the conference.

Even as the DMDK high command is taking steps to make the Ulundurpet conference a mega event, by launching the conference slogan, “let us unite and abolish corruption”, and releasing a wrist band inscribed with the slogan, the party cadre in the central districts are sitting with their fingers crossed as they could not find space to publicise the event.

“Both the major parties have taken up every inch of available space. But we are not disheartened. We have planned alternative ways to attract people’s attention by displaying party flags and festoons in the city from January 29. We will decorate the city in such a way that people will wonder whether Tiruchi is hosting the conference,” said A.R. Vijayarajan, Tiruchi urban district secretary of the party.

The party men had launched a house-to-house campaign to distribute pamphlets and invite people for the conference. This campaign had evoked an overwhelming response, he said.

Over 5,000 wrist bands had been distributed to students, youth, and workers to create awareness of the evils of corruption and the urgent need to eradicate the menace. “We will launch an extensive campaign against corruption through radio, television and social media sites,” said Mr. Vijayarajan.

N. Jahir of Pudukottai, State deputy secretary, said that union-level party workers’ meetings had already been completed in all the central districts and workers had been reaching out to households. “Apart from party workers, we expect common people not attached to any political party to attend the conference in good numbers,” he added.