Food, festivities at Greenways Road

The otherwise quite road sprung to life with AIADMK flags being lined-up and posters hailing O Panneerselvam cropping up on the walls. There has been a continuous flow of cadre and even common public to the house of the Chief Minister in the past one week. Every now and then, the air was punched by slogans like ‘Namathu Aatharavu OPSukke’ (our support only for OPS) and some anti-Sasikala phrases. 

Some of the party men have started providing food for the steady stream of visitors. “We were asked to prepare food like tamarind, curd and vegetable rice to serve for our supporters. Depending on the number of people visiting the CM’s residence on the day, the cost may vary from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh,” said one of the functionary doing volunteer duty there. 

Apart from the usual strappings of a political gathering, a few youngsters too were seen hanging outside the CM’s residence. “I have conveyed my support to OPS through social media. He can be a good leader. The free entry to his residence and the ease of access to him are pointers to the fact that how simple and humble he is,” said M Edward, a techie from Adyar.

While most were busy signing on the banners on the premises, a group of techies with laptops seems to be engrossed at work. “We are entering the names of the supporters and their details. Initially the number of visitors were 10,000 a day, but it has gradually gone up to 30,000 and more now,” said K Murali, one of the techies registering the names of visitors. 

Surprisingly, some cadre brought their children and family members also along with them. “We wanted to see him personally, which we treat as a great moment. CM blessed my baby,” beamed K Malathi, a women’s wing cadre from Villupuram.