Sivakasi: Invasion of Chinese crackers into Indian market, leading to large scale unemployment in what was once described as ‘Little Japan’ may work in favour of Congress candidate from Sivakasi constituency for the Assembly elections.
Besides, the caste equation also favours Raja Chokkar as 40 per cent of the electorate constitutes Nadars, who run most fireworks industries, match factories and printing companies in the otherwise parched region.
Both captains and daily wage workers of various industries admit that jobs have dried up due to entry of Chinese crackers. “We know the Central government has to take steps to prevent their entry and have also taken up this issue,” said Selvaraj from Sri Kaliswari Fireworks Pvt Limited.
But common workers blame it on the State government, leading to an anti-incumbency wave. “We know our lives are always in peril because we are forced to work in unsafe working conditions in many fireworks industries here, but at least we managed to get a steady income of Rs 120 per day. Now the Chinese crackers have snatched away our livelihood without causing any bodily injuries,” said a group of men, who were working in a paper tube making unit for crackers at Naranapuram near Sivakasi.
Earlier, owners of firecrackers units used to provide an advance up to Rs 30,000 per year and jobs were assured round the year. “Now if we ask for advance, they tell us not to come for work,” said Subbalakshmi (60) of the village.
Of course, sitting MLA and AIADMK Minister K. T. Rajenthra Bhalaji laid roads, upgraded a middle school to higher secondary level, improved infrastructure facilities in government hospitals and constructed bus stops, but how will it help fill their stomach, ask women in villages across the constituency.
Nearly two lakh workers, who were deprived of their steady income from factories, were left at the mercy of moneylenders. “We hardly get job for three to four days in a week or sometime remain unemployed for a whole week. Hence, we are forced to borrow money for high interest from usurers to feed our children,” said a 61-year-old man from Sithurajapuram village who was returning from a non-vegetarian feast organised by Rajenthra Bhalalji to members of Naicker community at Kammavar marriage hall here on Sunday.
At the meeting organised to woo Naicker, who constitute nearly 20 per cent of the electorate in the constituency, some youth heckled the minister when he said, “I was always with you and solved your problems.” The youth told him that when members of the Thevar caste killed their community elder, leading to a communal clash few months ago, he failed to visit them.
About 10 km from there, Arunthathiyar community people, the lowest in the caste hierarchy, from Vilampatti Colony said: “We saw the minister five years ago when he came for votes. After he got elected, we have only seen his cars plying in areas where people of the dominant communities live,” said the youth.
Nearly 2000 families in the colony without toilet, drinking water, road and sanitation facilities. “Like others, we are also suffering from unemployment, but why is government discriminating us in improving basic facilities”, asks Chinnathai (63), pointing to the bushes used for open-defecation.
The dominant Thevar community, comprising 50 per cent of the voters, is backing the AIADMK. The scheduled castes, who constitute nearly 20 per cent in the constituency, may also vote against AIADMK because Puthiya Tamilagam and VCK have strong presence and Muslims with 10 per cent vote share might vote for Congress because their political outfits are in alliance with the national party.
Also denial of ticket to Sivakasi TMC president Arasan G.V. Karthik, a fireworks manufacturer, by PWA, is working in favour of Congress, again due to community factor.
