In other parts of the country, the telecom scandal may be a weapon for the opposition against Delhi’s ruling UPA. But this sleepy town, a known DMK bastion, continues to support jailed ex-minister A Raja, whose base is here, and his party.
Angry at Raja being in custody and reporters flocking here, DMK workers keep a watch on media vehicles, often asking reporters if the presence of excessive media could create problems for him.
“We will continue to support A Raja. He has done a lot for this town and its people. There is no question of us voting for Jayalalithaa. We will never support her,” said Silvam, who runs a shop close to Raja’s office.
Many fear a victory for Jayalalithaa in the election might bring trouble and they would become caught in a political tussle.
“We know A Raja has been arrested, i have seen him on television but these things happen in politics but our support for DMK will not change. We will not vote for Amma in this election or any other,” added M Siledara, a farmer.
Party supporters are not willing to talk about either Raja or the allegations made by Jayalalithaa against Karunanidhi and his family members.
“There is nothing we want to say about the arrest or the allegations. How can we even comment on these issues that are troubling our leader? We are worried that so many reporters are coming to town that it might create further problems for DMK. We don’t trust anyone these days; that is why we check the identity cards of all the reporters who come to visit the office,” said Shiva Ramakrishnan, while waiting for fellow DMK supporters at the office.