The Hindu : It's quite dicey in Sattankulam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 25, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

It's quite dicey in Sattankulam

By Radha Venkatesan

Chennai Feb. 24. A straight electoral fight between the AIADMK and the Congress would normally turn out to be a pushover for the ruling party. But, Sattankulam, land of bananas, tucked away in a cranny of Tuticorin district, is clearly dicey. And, the stage appears set for one of the toughest byelections in recent times.

For, the constituency is one of the few Congress bastions under siege from the AIADMK storm troopers. The poll has emerged into a crucial war between the united Opposition and the ruling party. When the campaign began, the odds appeared stacked against the ruling party — anti-incumbency, united Opposition and, more importantly, the Government's anti-conversion law, which left the sizeable Christian population in the constituency seething.

But, as the AIAMDK campaign machinery ruthlessly rolled on, the Congress appeared crushed in the first few days of electioneering. It was a rarity to find Congress flags, banners and buntings in villages, as the party leaders groped for resources to get the campaign off the ground.

However, with the DMK prodding from behind, the Congress woke up at the eleventh hour and attempted to take on the might of the ruling establishment. In fact, in the last two or three days, its leaders caused greater nuisance on Sattankulam streets than the ruling partymen.

Surprisingly, factionalism in the party took a positive turn as most of the leaders launched into competitive campaigning, if not coordinated electioneering.

Every leader looked for space on Sattankulam streets just to make sure he does not miss the credit in case the Congress pulls it off.

Booth management

However, for the Congress, which is used to riding piggyback on either of the two leading Kazhagams, the difference between winning and losing will depend on how much the DMK cadres strain their nerves on February 26 to manage booths. "We depend on the DMK to manage the booths," admits the Congress candidate, A. Mahendran.

But, that is the least of the ruling party's troubles. In contrast, the AIADMK bigwigs are worried over the havoc the anti-conversion law could wreak on the Judgment Day.

The response to the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa's campaign tour has creased out some of the worry lines of the ruling partymen. Particularly, her visit has further boosted the AIADMK's stock in the Karungulam union dominated by Thevars and Dalits. But the Sattankulam union, dominated by Christian Nadars appears more favourable to the Congress.

In the final analysis, the Alwarthirunagari union, with a huge Hindu and Christian Nadar population, besides Dalits and Thevars, could decide the outcome. And, that could turn out to be a photo finish.

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