Elections sans PR strategy

The much awaited results are out. And, for a change the exit polls got it right. Yes, Karunanidhi, the 83 year old is at it, yet again. What is evident is that people are not really concerned about continuity, which will enable the State to undertake progressive measures effectively. Even more evident is the fact that the ministers aren't bothered about continuity. A sneak peek at the elections over the last couple of years will reflect 'election campaign' sans any direction or focus. What was the theme for AIADMK or DMK for this year? Except for competition bashing, there hasn't been anything concrete to take back for the citizens. With credibility hitting the trough, it has become imperative for the dravidian parties to first, establish credibility among the masses. And, in this light, portraying leadership and their track record should have been a priority. Secondly, conceptualizing a theme which is close to the masses and periodically seeding it within the masses, could be the next step. And, finally, reflecting upon the successes hitherto. The campaign has to have a professional approach, which has been conspicuously absent from the elections. The Jayalalitha government would have realized this by now and hopefully will chalk out a robust strategy to come back to power.

PR ploy in politics

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power," said Abraham Lincoln. We have winessed this in Indian politics, not once, but many times across various States. I can't recall any leader who had any inclination to genuinely serve the masses. The pre-election campaigning, laced with unbelievable and unachievable promises continues to reverberate in the constituencies gearing up for election. With unfullfilled manifestos glaring at wannabe leaders, the campaigning ought to be packaged differently. And yes, don't they do it in style. Let's revisit campaigning in Kerala. The UDF and LDF were running neck to neck in the race to the elections with infighting and pandemonium rocking both parties. A new twist was certainly required to gain prominence, in the media and in the minds of people. News about one of the most respected and the architect of LDF, the veteran V.S.Achuthanandan, being deprived of a ticket to election rocked the State. A clever ploy to gain significant mindshare and if the exit polls were to be believed, the strategy has paved way for the LDF.