The Hindu : Behind bars, Vaiko calls the shots

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 07, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Behind bars, Vaiko calls the shots

By R. K. Radhakrishnan

CHENNAI March 6. When the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko, was arrested and jailed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in July last year, his party and cadre expected an early release. But that is not to be, though more than 230 days have passed. Though the cadre miss his fiery speeches, the top bosses, - who have reconciled themselves to the `fate' of his having to be in jail,— do not appear much worried.

For, Mr. Vaiko is able to run the party from the imposing Vellore prison. And, the frequent `travels' to the Poonamallee and Mayiladuturai courts mean his meeting more cadres than he could normally in jail.

Mr. Vaiko himself appears to have settled in, with the new demands his incarceration has brought forth. ``I have been spending time reading, planning, writing and meeting workers. This has provided a great opportunity for reflecting on issues and party affairs,'' he said once at the Poonamallee special court.

The voracious reader has found time to take a relook at the works and philosophies of Tamil writers and politicians, including former the Chief Minister, C. N. Annadurai, and E. V. R. Periyar. Mr. Vaiko draws inspiration from the long years the South African legend, Nelson Mandela, spent in jail.

Apart from doing leisure reading, he has been referring to legal provisions in journals and books, if only to keep himself abreast of the latest rulings and developments.

The long line of visitors bring books, apart from ground-level party information. Mr. Vaiko has already banned the practice of anyone giving him or partymen shawls as a mark of respect; instead books could be given, he suggested.

On Saturdays he does not meet party workers, only his advocates and senior counsel have access to him. Mr.Vaiko reviews with them the progress of the cases including the status of the Supreme Court case filed challenging POTA provisions. On Sundays too visitors are barred.

Thus he devotes a major part the weekend to writing. It is during his incarceration that he wrote to the Prime Minister, A.B.Vajpayee, on what he considers are pressing issues - notably the Cauvery dispute and the more recent letter on the Sethusamudram project.

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Behind bars, Vaiko calls the shots