Chennai: AICC youth wing general secretary S. Jothimani, who has sought the Aravakurichi seat in Karur district, has already started her campaign in the constituency, leading to resentment in DMK camp who point out that seat allocation in the alliance is yet to begin.
Jothimani, hand-picked by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for the post of Youth Congress general secretary, will be up against formidable DMK bigwigs in the district, who command money and muscle power to face the elections. While Jothimani said her campaign was part of creating awareness among the people on voting for honest candidates and how to avoid money power in democracy, DMK functionaries allege she had started the campaign as posters have portraits of Jothimani along with party symbol ‘Hand’.
The 35-year-old Congress functionary said her campaign was not aimed at getting a constituency and winning an election. It was part of a campaign which she began eight months ago under the title ‘Namadhu Oor, Namadhu Vazhvu’. Citing the US poll campaign model, she said such a model helped to choose better candidates as primaries are held before a party chooses its candidate.
The focus on individual candidates would ensure that people choose the right candidate before voting for a particular party.
A DMK functionary said, “If Jothimani’s campaign is not focused on elections, why posters, which she is spreading through social media, contained the words ‘Aravakurichi Assembly Poll-2016’. It also appeals to voters to support ‘Hand’ symbol, with her name and portrait saying she is a full time worker for people. She has also submitted an application with the party leadership to contest from Aravakurichi. She has gone for an early campaign with an eye on getting the seat”.
DMK sources also said party strongman and former MP K.C. Palanisamy had sought the seat and he is a powerful businessman. The DMK will win, if he is given the seat, they said. Jothimani said she had formally submitted an application seeking the Aravakurichi seat. But, she was not lobbying for the seat with anyone and she will not approach any party leader for recommendation.
“I can win the seat easily, as campaign has picked up very well. It is up to Congress leaders to give me a chance.”
