Amma?s V-sign

Shared victory is Amma?s catch phrase this election.

Shared victory is Amma’s catch phrase this election.

HT Image

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa on Friday launched her re-election campaign with the call to Tamil voters: “My victory is your victory and your victory is my victory.” She kicked off the campaign, which would take her through the state till May 6, from an Amman temple in busy Saidapet, as friend Sasikala hovered in the backseat of the white air-conditioned Tempo Traveller.

Pitching various achievments of her government, she appealed to the electorate to vote for her for the continuance of “golden age” in the state.

Party cadre, who had gathered in strength, cheered the loudest when Jayalalithaa, clad in her lucky green saree, recalled the killing of timber smuggler Veerappan and pointed out how in spite of five fuel price hikes by the Centre, the state had the lowest bus fares and the best transport services. Appearing relaxed, she never once referred directly to the DMK or her arch rival M. Karunanidhi, though she did attack the “attitude” of the 13 central ministers from the state. “Don’t worry. There is enough ammunition in store not only for Karunanidhi, but for all his family members,” chuckled a senior AIADMK functionary.