Been ready for long: Confident Tamilachi

The English professor-turned-politician, in an interview to DT Next, said the voters of South Chennai didn’t even know the name of the sitting AIADMK MP.

 The sitting MP hasn’t done anything to impress the electorates. Chennai is the epicentre of developmental activities for southern India, and South Chennai is the hub for developmental activities in the city and the state. Our metropolitan city has been expanding rapidly in the south and south-western directions. Over the years, many suburbs have sprung up in South Chennai. The DMK has been instrumental in the progress and the development of their infrastructure when they were in power. In the last eight years, the ruling AIADMK has done nothing.

In a way, the sitting MP’s non-performance has made it easier for me. When I began my campaign, I was shocked to learn that many people didn’t even know his name.

The biggest problem with the AIADMK is that their leaders are always unapproachable, whereas, our party president MK Stalin and other leaders can be contacted very easily. As a diligent party worker for many years, I am humbled by the fact that I too have inherited this quality.

This might be my first election, but I have had a ringside view of several elections before – including those of my father and brother. It is a known fact that I hail from a family that has long been associated with public life and has service through the DMK. Being active in party affairs, I have been ready for this day since a long time. I believe my commitment to serve and being accessible at all times are my strong points.

 I don’t think so. Our party is not communal. We have always been a forerunner not only in advocating but also in implementing programs for all sections of the society. I have friends from all communities. When we went for campaigning, we witnessed an overwhelming response from all quarters of people. Hence, it is baseless to say that any particular community is against my candidature. South Chennai is a DMK fortress. Our iconic leaders, CN Annadurai to Murasoli Maran have been elected from this seat. Even in the last Assembly polls, DMK fared well here.

 This is absolutely ridiculous. I have been living in Chennai since 1987 and I know every nook and corner in this constituency. I understand the problems and challenges of the people. What is important is how we are going to serve the people and represent them at the parliament.

Around 90 per cent of Chennai’s population has migrated from different parts of TN at different points of time. Interestingly, most of them have settled in South Chennai constituency. It is a melting pot of various cultural and socio-economic groups. Someone who has settled down and grew her roots here, she cannot be termed as an outsider. That is what makes our Chennai special. If Jayavardhan calls my candidature dynastic, that would be the joke of the century. I have been in active politics for 12 years now. I resigned my position as a lecturer in Queen Mary’s College and entered full-time politics in 2007. I hold the position of deputy president (State) of the Arts, Literature and Rationality Wing of DMK. I have imbibed high ethical values and ideals from my father. Over the years, I have been groomed by our leader late Karunanidhi and then by our party chief Stalin. I did not become a politician overnight like Jayavardhan.

No. There is no pressure at all. It’s a pride. The pride acts as a catalyst to provide the necessary thrust for my campaigns. 

Q: Though the DMK has many star campaigners, the absence of Karunanidhi is glaring and that too in Chennai. Did you feel it during your campaign? How would you describe an election without him?

 Undoubtedly, Karunanidhi’s absence will be a big loss, not only to the DMK but to the entire political arena of our country. He has played a proactive role in shaping the political future of Tamil Nadu and also the central government on several occasions. He has been a source of inspiration for millions. 

Stalin has filled the space aptly. He is an able leader and we are amazed by the way he spearheads the campaigns and inspires us.

 Of course, we have made a lot of promises. Unlike AIADMK, we don’t make false promises and tall claims. DMK is known for doing what it promises and claim what it has accomplished. We have plans for the Perungudi dumpyard and Pallikaranai marshland already. It will be executed with the help of an expert committee. We will not stop with just getting the funds sanctioned but we will see through the execution in an expedited manner. I want to humbly remind you that it was the DMK which converted a huge dumping yard at Nungambakkam into an architectural marvel, Valluvar Kottam.

At the micro level, it would be a huge government hospital with ultra-modern facilities in our constituency to take care of emergency situations and to meet other medical requirements of those living in various suburbs.

Jayavardhan mentioned that I was making false claims about the non-existence of hospitals. But I am yet to see a much-needed fully functioning, multi-specialty trauma care hospital here. Other issues include the decongestion of the arterial OMR and ECR by extending the metro. Women’s safety and creating safe spaces for them to express themselves are something I hold close to my heart and I would work towards executing them.

At the macro level, we will raise voice for TN’s rights in the Parliament and fulfil our promises, instead of just‘insisting’.