Morning walkers greeted by candidates

Chennai: It is not just the blaring speakers and election rallies that greet voters, as the mercury soars. Political party candidates appear to get up early to ‘catch’ the morning walkers to canvass for votes.

BJP senior L. Ganesan, had hit upon this novel idea when he contested the 2014 LS poll from South Chennai, and the early risers visiting the parks and beaches in the city were pleasantly surprised when they saw the candidate walk up to them, shake hands and canvass for votes for the ‘Lotus.’ Now his party colleague Vanathi Srinivasan, who is contesting from Coimbatore South Assembly constituency, is diligently following his campaign style.

And AIADMK candidates for Thousand Lights and T. Nagar, Social welfare minister B. Valarmathi and P. Sathya, , appears to be among the very ‘early risers’ eagerly catching up with the electorate in parks. They visited the Jeeva Park in T. Nagar and garnered votes for the ‘Two Leaves.’

The candidates went up to the walkers, both young and old, and sought for votes. “To ensure the good work of Amma to continue, vote for Two Leaves,” they appealed to the walkers.

“The candidates have to get up very early and be at the park by at least 7 am because going late would not serve any purpose,” a senior AIADMK leader said and added that it was a pleasure meeting the citizens at the crack of dawn.

Perhaps, such an auspicious start augurs well for a healthier interaction between the people and their candidates, he claimed.