Election mascots are meant to spread SVEEP awareness, from Chennai’s “Namma Thanga”, a blue cartoon crow, to Coimbatore’s “Therthal Veeran”, a hornbill. In Virudhunagar, however, the choice of a squirrel has raised a few eyebrows. Dubbed “Viru”, the mascot appears on posters sporting the Election Commission symbol and an inked finger, alongside the line, ‘our vote, our voice’. Yet the symbolism has not gone unnoticed. With actor-turned-politician Vijay’s supporters fondly called “anil”, social media is abuzz with cheeky claims that even the system is backing TVK. Even a mascot, it seems, cannot stay apolitical
Praveena SA
Cut, but not cross
In Tiruchy, ticket cuts do not quite cut the smiles. Dropped MLAs such as Srirangam’s M Palaniyandi and Musiri’s N Thiyagarajan still turn up for nominations, standing beside new candidates as if little has changed. No street protests here, unlike elsewhere. Palaniyandi, who once took on KN Nehru, is quieter now, which can be a sign that challenging heavyweights has limits. His supporters, however, keep spirits high with Instagram reels. Call it the Nehru factor or simply Tiruchy’s way, but the message is clear. Fall in line, and wait your turn. The party, as always, knows best
Pearson Lenekar SR