J Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK supremo, hit the campaign trail on Monday for the May 16 Assembly election with a new battle cry. “Makkalal Njan; Makkalukkaka Njan” is the war cry of Amma, as she is addressed by the cadre. It is Tamil for “I am of the people and I am for the people”. More than 50,000 people who had gathered at Virudachalam, 230 km south of Chennai, in spite of the scorching heat went berserk when she began her speech by addressing them as ‘my brothers and sisters who are the blood of my blood and the life of my life’.
Though there were many rumours about Jayalalithaa’s health, she looks as cheerful as ever. The only difference this time is she addresses the rallies sitting on a chair. The AIADMK supremo travelled from Chennai to Virudachalam by helicopter and from the helipad she used her favourite caravan to reach the venue of the public meeting. In the one hour long speech, she recounted the development works completed during the last five years. “I promise only things which I could do. And Ill do whatever I promise,” thundered Jayalalithaa as the crowd went into a State of frenzy as she chose her words.
The Amma took no time to establish a sentimental link with the audience as she described herself as the mother of all Tamil people. “A mother is one who knows what are the needs of her children. It is for the mother to shower the children with whatever they need even without they asking for it. I have given you whatever I promised. I also gave you whatever I did not promise,” said Jayalalithaa.
She listed the Amma Hotels, Amma mineral water, Amma salt, Amma Pharmacy, Amma medical schemes, which were offered as surprise gifts to the people of Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa was at her best while criticising her eternal rival Karunanidhi for his stance on various issues including prohibition. She scoffed at criticism by some of the BJP Ministers at the centre and DMK leaders that she was inaccessible for discussions.
Jayalalithaa introduced the 13 candidates contesting from the district of Cuddalore.”It is spring time in Tamil Nadu since 2011. You should ensure the continuation of this spring time by voting for the AIADMK,” Jayalalithaa told the audience.
RV Giri, president, Consortium of Indian Farmers Association, who listened to Jayalalithaa’s speech said the public seemed uninterested in the claims by the AIADMK leader. “The party is yet to release the election manifesto. Then only we can tell something about the direction in which the wind is blowing,” said Giri. He described the DMK manifesto as dull and drab. “It is not at all inspiring and there is nothing new in it for the farming community other than some age-old promises,” said Giri.