Traffic in Tirunelveli is held up. Even as cops frantically sorts out the melee, a pilot jeep shrieks through, soon followed by an entourage of 36 cars that include an ambulance and two vans loaded with special strike force personnel. If you are wondering whether it is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi being escorted, think again.
Travelling in the entourage is the state local administration minister. Known more as the chief minister's son, M K Stalin has come to this south Tamil Nadu district to oversee preparations for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's youth conference to be held on December 15-16.
Film stars surely know something about exposure, but it seems no one told Stalin about it. Tirunelveli is plastered with his mug shots. One cannot turn around without having a look at his all important face.
The venue for the conference is the Tirunelveli Medical College ground. The local DMK strongman, Karuppaswamy Pandian, is in charge and is being assisted by the Deputy Mayor Muthuramalingam.
One look at the setting reveals its importance. The venue entrance looks like a medieval castle. The pandal covers over 5 lakh square feet space. The organizers are expecting a turnout of nearly 10 lakh people from across the state. Appropriate, as there are rumours that the ailing 'King' will crown his heir at this meeting.
Senior leaders dismiss this as media-driven rumors, but most people suspect Stalin to be the source of these so-called rumors.
However, there are no plans to feed the cadre at the event. Muthuramalingam says, "We cannot feed 10 lakh people. They will have to look after themselves. There will be ten subsidized restaurants, 15 tea and juice shops at the venue."
The chief minister, state and central ministers, parliamentarians and legislators are expected to attend the grand event. District Collector G Prakash told rediff.com: