Marudhanatham village at Amathur near Virudhunagar is a place where anything related to politics is not allowed.
A resident and the correspondent of the government-aided school in the village N Kasirajan says that the villagers are permitted to keep photos of their favourite political leaders in their houses but they should not stick posters or have graffiti in public places. “All villagers have to strictly follow the rules laid down by our ancestors as we believe they (rules) are for public welfare,” says Kasirajan.
Village panchayat president Shakunthala Krishnan says that during elections in the past, the parties were not allowed to campaign in the village. Due to this, party men had to campaign on roads outside the village. “These days the candidates who contest for the election are allowed into the village for campaigning as the people should know about the candidate who is contesting their election.”
If and when the parties enter the village, they should leave the banners and flags they carry with them outside the village.
She says the rules are followed even during local body elections. “Though political advertisements, posters, notices and flags are not allowed inside the village, the people would definitely vote during all elections,” points out Shakunthala.
If people want to hold family functions, they can put up banners or posters in an earmarked spot, on the condition they would be put up in the morning and removed in the evening. These rules have been in force for last three generations. If only masses in other places take a cue from Marudhanatham, things would augur well for them.