Online campaign: Calls to MLAs go unanswered

Their logic was that people have their views to give and those in power should get to know about it. 

Vincent D Souza, one of the founders of the Madras Day celebrations recently posted on Facebook saying, “What you feel/think about the current political issues in Tamil Nadu? Tell him/ her now. In a few sharp, decent words. Believe in the action. Even if you did not vote. It is your duty. Do it today. And ask others to do so too.” 

A Google Doc Worksheet was circulated on social media with the name of the MLA, his constituency his/ her mobile number and an update on whether the calls were going through, switched off or not reachable. However, upon trying, none of the MLAs could be reached. Either they weren’t picking the calls or there was a connection problem. 

Prakash M, a marketing professional says, “The MLA of my constituency is Benjamin P and his phone is not working. I have also left a text message but there has been no response. I have told him that he must choose OPS over Sasikala.” He further adds, “With all the political battles being fought from inside beach houses and Greenways Road, we the people need to make our voice heard and this is a good opportunity to let our leaders know what we want and if they disagree we will not vote for them the next time. After all they are our representatives.” 

“I am a resident of Mylapore and have been trying to reach R Nataraj from Mylapore constituency to send across my views. Though his phone is ringing, no one is picking it up,” says Amritha VM, who went on to write to him on his Facebook page, “Though someone has ‘seen’ the message, but again no response.” Another social media user posted his conversation with Sellur Raju, an MLA from Madurai. 

People are also reaching out to them through social media. “Even if they don’t respond, they can read messages and Facebook posts. I have been writing to my MLA D Jayakumar from Royapuram on WhatsApp and Messenger,” says Swetha G, an auditor. 

When contacted, the personal assistant of a top AIADMK leader said, “We have been receiving calls since morning and I would have received approximately 100 calls in a span of two hours,” he said.