Chennai: With both AIADMK and DMK gearing up to release the poll manifestos for the May 16 Assembly elections, people are waiting with curiosity to witness the next round of manifesto battle between the two parties which will be a key deciding factor of the poll outcome.
The DMK is keen to turn the tables on AIADMK which scored over its rival in 2011 Assembly elections with its promise of free laptops, mixies, grinders and fans. During the five years of its tenure, the AIADMK government meticulously distributed the promised freebies, while the DMK kept on complaining about the quality of the electrical equipment.
But, it was the DMK which used the technique of promising freebies in the 2006 Assembly poll manifesto promising colour TVs, rice at '1 per kg and waiver of farm loans. AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa had already started campaigning then and attracting huge crowds when DMK chief M. Karunanidhi released the manifesto.
Initially, Jayalalithaa questioned the feasibility of implementing the poll promises and Karunanidhi defended the promises explaining the practicality of the assurances. Soon, the DMK manifesto became a focal point of the election campaign and helped the party to capture power again.
For the DMK, the manifesto came at a crucial time when MDMK leader Vaiko suddenly crossed over to AIADMK camp, striking an un expected blow to DMK’s poll prospects.
DMK is facing a similar situation now with DMDK chief Vijayakanth rejecting the offer of party leaders to join the DMK front. Now, the party is looking at Karunanidhi to deliver a manifesto that will catch people’s attention and boost the cadre’s morale.
Both the DMK and AIADMK are tight-lipped over their manifestos and keeping them as secret documents, fearing the other party could ape
the most attractive promises. There are speculations that the DMK will come out with promises of free refrigerators too to woo women voters, while some expect free washing machines, which will also draw women’s support.
The manifesto is expected to focus on youth with plans to generate employment and education opportunities. Besides, the DMK leaders are keen to come out with a farmer-friendly manifesto as they form a large chunk of rural voters.
The manifesto will concentrate on getting the votes of women, youth and farmers whose votes tilt the balance in the elections.
