Date:17/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/17/stories/2006041714330800.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Campaign moves into top gear

V. Jayanth

The "real" phase of electioneering has just begun

CHENNAI: The first two weeks of April have gone by and the campaign for the 2006 Assembly elections has gradually moved into top gear. With the notification of the elections and the commencement of nominations, the "real" phase of electioneering has just begun. But Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has completed half of her State-wide campaign and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi has finished perhaps a third of his intensive tour of the State.

Once the nominations close on April 20 and the final list of candidates is out by the end of the week, the campaign will enter the decisive phase. Though the two archrivals — the DMK and the AIADMK — can quell any dissent, it is perhaps the Congress that is facing most of the problems on this score. Many rebels have announced their decision to contest either against official party nominees or in constituencies which have been allotted to the allies. This problem needs to be sorted out soon.

With the notification of the elections, an army of observers appointed by the Election Commission will descend on the State this week.

In addition to 234 Central observers , there will be 50 observers looking at election expenditure. Once they file their nominations, all candidates will come under this scanner.

DMK manifesto

Political circles say that the DMK election manifesto, with promises of a free colour television set, ration rice at Rs. 2 a kg, two acres of land free to the landless and the waiver of farm loans, has raised expectations among the people.

Though the ruling AIADMK has been banking on its "performance," it is quite possible that some new announcements may come up in this stretch of the electoral race.

As early poll surveys point to a dead heat, both sides are determined to surge ahead and breast the tape.