TN Elections 2006

With just over 2 months left for the state elections, the blogosphere has joined the fray in tracking the developments. Head over to Chennai Today and Therthal 2006 (Tamizh blog) for all the news and analysis. Vijayakanth fans can continue to patronize Ferrari Prabhu and Praveen as they might be doing some e-campaigns for Captain :-)

The government recently made an announcement that overseas Indians might be allowed to vote in the elections. After reading the headline, some of you might have thought that the government might extend this facility through a postal ballot or through some arrangement with the nearest Indian High Commission / Consulate. Please read the fine print:

The amendment bill will entitle the eligible citizens of India to cast their votes in Parliamentary and assembly elections when they are in their constituency and thus fully participate in the democratic process of nation building and uphold their pride and prestige as citizens of India.

This sounds like a gimmick by the newly created NRI ministry. Even though this rule was not in force earlier, I managed to vote during the Central elections in May 2004. It so happened that the elections coincided with my visit to Chennai.