CHENNAI: Chief minister MK Stalin has appealed to the DMK cadre to maintain restraint while responding to false and provocative campaigns of opposition parties.
In a letter to party workers on Monday, Stalin said opposition parties may stoop to any level during the campaigning and might adopt dirty tricks.
Stalin's instruction has come at a time when the campaigning for urban local body polls has become shriller across the state. Unlike assembly and parliamentary polls, where political parties and state-level issues occupy prime place during campaigning, ultra-local issues and streetwise dynamics play a key role in civic polls. "They will provoke and infuriate, expecting you to react in the same tone. But we cannot stoop to their level. It is enough if you explain facts to public in a calm manner," the CM said. "Those who have nothing to lose can behave in any manner that they chose, but the same cannot be done by those in power. People have placed us in power. So, we should act in a responsible manner."
Stalin said that the opposition camp might even insult someone's caste and belittle religion. "If you are a woman, they will use obscene language and attack your family. That's their culture. But do not create problems by attempting to respond to such behavior. We have lot of achievements to explain to the masses, our principles, great deeds of our leaders. It's enough if you convey this to people."
Explaining the reach of the social media, he urged partymen to use the new media to the optimum level. "After television, internet, Facebook and Twitter, large number of people read and share information on WhatsApp. Create new WhatsApp groups. Share information related to party in those groups. Counter misinformation campaigns through WhatsApp."
Stalin recalled that the Dravidian movement had over years adopted several modes of campaigning in tune with time to spread its ideology. From door-to-door canvassing and street corner meetings, issuing pamphlets, setting up libraries, staging plays to cinema and television, Dravidian movement had effectively used all tools. "In the same breath, we have to utilize social media and campaign without violating the rules of the election commission as well as ethics."
