Sharp jibes, wry humour, high drama mark Tamil Nadu's election campaign

Tamil Nadu presents a rather unique case this election. While the BJP aims for another term nationally, in Tamil Nadu, it seeks to break through the Dravidian stronghold historically impeding its progress.

Under K Annamalai, the state unit of the BJP is more desperate than ever for success. The BJP's efforts in the state, including roadshows, meetings, and some controversies, have turned Tamil Nadu's elections into a national spectacle.

The BJP's efforts have produced roadshows, meetings and some controversies. Scores of women took part in a BJP election rally on two-wheelers in western Tamil Nadu. BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan said the election campaign had improved the participation of women in her party.

Speakers and stars

The elections in Tamil Nadu haven't lost their festive spirit. Traditionally, they resemble a celebration, where party cadres and the public eagerly await their leaders' arrival for impassioned speeches — akin to sitting through the night for theatrical performances. During the waiting hours, individuals known as 'speakers' keep the crowd engaged.

Today, as times change, the role of 'speakers' has evolved. While there are no longer individuals specifically designated as 'speakers,' there are star campaigners who, instead of standing in for the main speakers, have become campaigners in their own right.

Unique strategies

This election, candidates and leaders have attempted unique strategies to attract voters. In the 2019 elections, state Sports Minister and DMK Youth Wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin garnered attention by carrying a brick, symbolising the AIIMS project in Madurai promised by the BJP that never took off. However, this time around, he employed a different tactic, dubbing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as '29 paisa', referring to the fiscal tax return to the State.

"He's keeping his approach simple," observes an onlooker. "Starting the campaign by asking how people are and expecting them to reciprocate by inquiring about his well-being seems to have resonated with voters."

While Udayanidhi toured across the state, campaigning in all the constituencies, his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin opted to attend public meetings, where he directed his criticism toward both the AIADMK and the BJP. He frequently highlighted what he claimed was their ongoing "secret alliance."

Stalin also infused his speeches with mild humor, at one point even invoking actor Vadivelu to illustrate the BJP's alleged opposition to pro-people policies in Tamil Nadu.

Women voters

Besides campaigning extensively in her own constituency, Thoothukudi, Kanimozhi travelled across the state to campaign for other INDIA alliance candidates. Her campaign struck a chord, especially with women voters, observers say.

If Udhayanidhi used the '29 paisa' metaphor and showed images of Modi and AIADMK supremo Edappadi Palaniswami together, Palaniswami in turn used video footages in his campaigns to speak about DMK’s ‘failed promises.’

Food and fun

But what caught the eye this election was the food and the family factor.

DMK leader and Nilgiris candidate A Raja made a pit stop at a shop to prepare vadas, which he then distributed among onlookers, dubbing them 'Modi vada.' Meanwhile, in Chennai Sooth, BJP candidate Tamilisai Soundararajan purchased athirasams, a South Indian delicacy, adding a touch of culinary flair to her campaign. She even pledged that if elected, fish would be declared a vegetarian dish.

From preparing pooris to frying pakodas and making tea, candidates seemingly decided that the path to a voter's heart was through their stomach.

Family to the rescue

Family was another significant factor in this election.

In Dharmapuri, PMK candidate Sowmya Anbumani's two daughters took an active part in campaigning for their mother. They assured the electorate that they would reside in Dharmapuri to assist Sowmya in addressing the constituency's issues.

Anuradha Dhinakaran, wife of AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, emerged as another prominent campaigner in this election. While campaigning for her husband in the Theni constituency, she humorously likened Dhinakaran's face to a pressure cooker, the symbol under which he was contesting.

She remarked, "Doesn't he look like a cooker? You should remember the symbol well. After all, we use it every day."

While campaigning for her son Vijaya Prabhakaran in the Virudhunagar constituency, DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth sought to evoke a sense of maternal sentiment among the electorate. She emphasised that he was not just her son but also theirs. In her campaign speeches, she said she was struggling to cope with the demise of her husband, actor Vijayakanth, but was committed to campaign for ‘alliance dharma.’

Both AMMK and DMDK have allied with the BJP this time.

Virudhunagar witnessed another family-driven campaign, with actor Sarathkumar actively campaigning for his wife and BJP candidate, actor Radhika Sarathkumar.

Colour and glitz

In Villupuram constituency, AIADMK candidate Bakiyaraj drove a bullock cart to draw attention to the rising fuel prices. In the same constituency, Naam Thamizhar candidate Kalanjiyam danced with children to appeal to their parents for votes.

In a unique approach, an independent candidate in Villupuram, Arasan, wore a garland of slippers around his neck to familiarise voters with the slipper symbol under which he is contesting. He told the electorate, "I would toil like a pair of slippers for your welfare."

Doctors, doctors

Many doctors and medical professionals are in the fray this time. Sixteen nominees of Nam Tamizhar Katchi are medical professionals, including dentist R Karthikeyan in Chennai Central and stem cell specialist V Ravichandran from Sirperumpudhur.

Four AIADMK candidates are doctors including J Jayavardhan, who takes on another doctor, Tamilisai Soundararajan, in Chennai South. DMK’s Kalanidhi Veerasamy in Chennai North and Rani Srikumar in Tenkasi are doctors, too.

In essence, the election campaign landscape in Tamil Nadu brimmed with vibrant hues of color, glitz, and theatrical drama. From the traditional to the unconventional, candidates employed a myriad of tactics to capture the attention and support of voters.

Whether it's the emotional appeals of family ties, the theatricality of symbolic gestures, or the creative use of props and performances, each candidate strove to stand out in the bustling electoral arena. Against the backdrop of bustling streets and enthusiastic crowds, the Tamil Nadu elections emerge not just as a political contest, but as a captivating spectacle that reflects the rich diversity and dynamism of the state's political culture.

(With inputs from Pramila Krishnan.)