ALL SET TO ROLL: A van being readied for the AIADMK campaign in Chennai. — Photo: M. Karunakaran

CHENNAI: Political parties are busy interviewing candidates even as the process of allocation of constituencies to allies is nearing completion. There is still time for the notification and filing of nominations but campaign managers have begun evolving electioneering strategy. The leaders have to work in coordination with the district units of their parties and the allies and need to bolster up the machinery where it may be lacking in spirit or dynamism.

For the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam the burden of the campaign always rested on its leader - the late M.G. Ramachandran during his days and then Jayalalithaa. The Cabinet Ministers take care of their regions and the party functionaries, especially the old guard, organise the campaign and Ms. Jayalalithaa's tour programme. Leaders like former Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan have specialised in this organisational skill.

AIADMK plans

As usual, Ms. Jayalalithaa is expected to tour extensively and campaign intensively in all 234 constituencies, dividing it into segments and taking a much-needed break in between. She is known to review the situation in the mornings in the region she campaigns before setting out in her campaign `rath' from afternoon till the 10 p.m. deadline. There are street-corner meetings she addresses from the van itself in places where she finds a crowd and designated meeting places. The candidates accompany her in an open jeep behind her vehicle.

This time, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko is expected to emerge as a major campaigner for this alliance. It is doubtful whether he will share a platform with Ms. Jayalalithaa, but his oratorical skills may stand the candidates in good stead. His problem may be in finishing on time each night. Dalit Panthers leader Thol. Thirmavalavan too may be effective in certain pockets with his provocative speeches.

DPA strategy

As for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) it leads, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi will do most of the campaigning. Party sources say they are keen on starting early and organising his tours in such a way that it does not cause too much strain on him.

Other DPA leaders, including Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss, will go around the State on their own. The 13 Union Ministers from the State are also expected to feature prominently in the electioneering. For star value and to draw crowds, the DPA is expected to depend on Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi. As Kerala is also going to the polls, the Congress may try to synchronise her campaign tours to the two States, with a possible visit to Pondicherry. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is also likely to address a couple of election rallies.

The DPA will invite top Left leaders, including Prakash Karat, A.B. Bardhan and Brinda Karat, to campaign in select areas.

For their part, the candidates will draw up their own intensive campaigns in the constituencies. Vans, autorickshaws and pickup vehicles are getting ready for a propaganda blitz in streets and by-lanes. It remains to be seen whether the people will show any interest in the poll campaign within two years of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu