Bribing the 'people' has started

IANS
P S Sundar
First Published : 14 Oct 2008 01:57:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 14 Oct 2008 09:36:42 AM IST

COONOOR: The district unit of the DMK in Nilgiris is clearly on a poll mode. Even Government functions are used to canvass voters’ support for the next elections to Parliament or Assembly, whenever they are held. The party’s district outfit has two factions - one led by Khadi Minister and district secretary K Ramachandran, and the other by former district secretary and Government Chief Whip B M Mubharak. It is rare to see both of them on the same stage, but neither of them misses any occasion to canvass for the party. Both factions have displayed digital boards in the town highlighting the freebies given by the DMK Government.

At the Government function to launch subsidised grocery items held in Coonoor a fortnight ago, Ramachandran said, “During the AIADMK regime, only tea growers in Nilgiris got subsidy, but in our rule, every one gets subsidised rice, grocery items, free television, gas and oven. Children get bus pass and three eggs for noon meal. Even for a small subsidy, you voted for AIADMK; so, for this large gesture, you should vote for us in the coming elections.”