The ruling AIADMK has announced a list of leaders led by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam as ‘by-election in-charges’ for 20 Assembly constituencies, including those which have fallen vacant following the disqualification of 18 party MLAs loyal to rival leader T T V Dhinakaran. The 20 constituencies include Tiruvarur and Thiruparankundram, where by-polls are due following the recent death of sitting MLAs – DMK chief M Karunanidhi and A K Bose of the AIADMK.
For its part, the main opposition DMK, too, is said to be busy with forming poll panels in these 20 constituencies, and Dhinakaran’s AMMK, it is learnt, is not far behind. While it is good in a democracy to get ready for electoral battle, it is a question as to how effective and efficient these parties are in serving the public. There are complaints from the vacant constituencies that civic works are not being undertaken in a proper way and the demands of the public are not being addressed.
At least half of the keen attention being shown in winning elections should be given in fulfilling the basic needs of the public. For, it is the people who are the ultimate bosses of democracy and the fate of politicians are in their hands. With just the click of a button, they can make or break the future of candidates and parties. Political leaders, who ‘worship’ voters during elections, are duty bound to remain their ‘bakths’ forever.