Payback Time?

The DMK government has been making lot of noise about the distribution of Colour TV sets and land to the public. All this has been timed quite well to influence the voter's mind before the local body elections. Dayanidhi Maran (whose daily objective is to appear atleast once everyday in Sun News) has gone on record saying that the people should vote for DMK in the local body elections as a kaimmaru for the goodies doled out by the DMK government. It has also come to light that some families who already have a TV were also given the free Colour TV as complete enumeration was not possible.

‘‘After receiving so much of welfare measures, what would you give to the thalaivar (Karunanidhi) in return ?...do not be satisfied with just expressing your goodwill in words... your conscience should work during the ensuing elections to the local bodies (ungal manasatchi varum ullatchi therthalil velai seyya vendum)’’, Dayanidhi Maran said.

Maran, more or less, confirmed that no proper enumeration of families without televisions had been done before the launch of the scheme, and that at least some families which already had television were also included among the beneficiaries.

‘‘When we passed through some areas in the colony, I saw cable (TV) connections here and there...but colour television sets will be given to all 2,745 families residing in this area’’, the Union Minister assured. (Source: New Indian Express, Link not available)

MK seems to be adopting a different approach:

I expect nothing from you for implementing these schemes. It is enough if you follow the ideals of our great leaders Periyar and Anna (DMK founder C N Annadurai). We should strive to create a society with rationalist ideals and without caste differences.