We wanted DMK campaign to be different to catch people's attention: Anbil Mahesh
Tiruchy: Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, DMK’s rising politician from the third generation, is one of the youth behind the party’s new style propaganda. He is one of the architects of DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin’s ‘Namakku Naamey’ programme. He is a close friend of Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi, who is backing him in his maiden electoral battle in Tiruverumbur.
In an interview to ‘Deccan Chronicle’, Mahesh denies it was a path of roses for him in politics and vows to live up to the reputation of his grand father, Anbil Dharmalingam. Excerpts:
Q It is said you are one of the brains behind DMK’s new age campaign and ‘Namakku Naamey’ campaign? What is your role in changing the DMK’s campaign style?
I have a small role in the party’s new style of campaign. There are many youngsters in DMK who are working as a team to plan the party’s campaign according to changing times. I am just one of them. We wanted the campaign to be different so that it can catch the eyes of people.
Q Can you say a few words about your friendship with Udhayanidhi Stalin? Is he coming to Tiruverumbur to campaign for you? How is he supporting your campaign?
We have been friends since we were kids. My father Poyyamozhi and Udhayanidhi’s father and party treasurer M.K. Stalin are close friends. My grand father was very close to party chief M. Karunanidhi. Udhayanidhi is coming to Tiruverumbur, but he is not campaigning for me. He has a busy film schedule. However, he is in touch with me daily.
Q You come from a politically influential family. There are many who are struggling to come up in politics as they do not have any background. Do you think, family background gives you advantage in politics?
I don’t think so. I didn’t become an MLA candidate overnight. I have participated in the party’s demonstrations, protests and other programmes.
Q When your grandfather was in DMK, the party used to raise linguistic issues and Tamil Nadu’s rights, besides several ideological issues. Now, DMK has moved to focusing on bread and butter issues like jobs, education and industrial development? How do you perceive this change?
Ideology, love for Tamil and rights of Tamils are the fundamentals of the party. It is like our tree and we are all standing under its shade. We have not lost any vigour and Tamil sentiments. We have been taught party’s ideologies. But, at the moment, youth are looking for jobs and education. We have to come out with solutions to bread and butter issues.
Q This is your maiden electoral battle. You have got the chance ahead of some senior DMK leaders here. How is your prospects in Tiruverumbur?
First of all, the overall trend in the Assembly elections is in DMK’s favour. The party manifesto has reached the people and youth are keen to vote for our party.
Q What are your plans for Tiruverumbur when you get elected? What will be your priority?
My first priority is to lay proper roads. Transport connectivity to the city will be provided with more buses.
