Neither the entry of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa herself as ruling party candidate nor the perceived difficult political climate has deterred the cadre of Communist Party of India (CPI), the lone political party to field its candidate apart from AIADMK for the R.K.Nagar by-election, from undertaking vigorous campaigning.
CPI cadres left Salem in droves in the last few days to mobilise support for party candidate C. Mahendran for the June 27 by-election. Since June 19, partymen have been leaving in batches to Chennai every day, for the final lap of campaigning.
In contrast, leaders and cadres of the ruling AIADMK, right from Edappadi K. Palanisamy, Minister for State Highways and Minor Ports, and other front-ranking leaders to elected representatives of local bodies left for Chennai as soon as the Election Commission announced the by-election for the constituency within days of sitting MLA P. Vetrivel resigning his seat. In the absence of Mayor, municipal chairpersons, and heads of other local bodies for days together from the headquarters, regular programmes such as grievances day meetings had to be cancelled for consecutive weeks.
CPI men cite economic condition as the cause for their delayed departure to Chennai to R. K. Nagar. “We do not have rich members. A majority of the partymen are from weaker sections. We have to bear all the expenses incurred towards travel, food and stay. And that is only after ensuring adequate money for the family members to meet the expenditure in their absence. Hence the delay,” said A. Mohan, secretary of the Salem district unit of the CPI. The partymen from Salem already camping in R. K. Nagar are not lacking in enthusiasm. “We know the uphill task Mr. Mahendran is facing. Unlike the AIADMK men who undertake the campaigning with pomp and splendour, we mobilise the votes rather silently.”
