Campaigns – not just politics, a livelihood

When a political campaign is announced at any part of the city, the average middle class man goes out of his way, literally, to make sure he avoids the scheduled place, through his day. “They are all about politics. We know all that we need to know. Why should we attend campaigns?” says B. Venkatachalam, an accountant. In Chennai, campaigns are not just about the politicians and their parties, it is also about the common man who makes a living out of these campaigns.

The increased density of a massive, unruly, and most often, fanatic crowd lures all kinds of traders to political campaigns. Street hawkers who sell stickers with party symbols, pictures and towels or even food items like samosa or tea earn more money at the campaigns then at their regular jobs.  V. Thirunakarasu says, “I have a binding shop, but during election times, I am fully devoted to making stickers for DMK.” He follows the party around Tamil Nadu and sells at every campaign. He says that he makes Rs. 200-300 more when he travels outside Chennai. These hawkers are dedicated to a particular party and sell products that showcase the party symbols, colours and statements.

However, tea and samosa sellers are not particularly aligned to any political party and usually, do not travel long distances to attend campaigns. The crowd and the prospective customers draw them to the nearest campaign. “I don’t care much about parties or politics. People buy sundal and murukku here just like they buy it at the beach where I usually sell them.” says G. Selvakumar. He claims to earn Rs. 400 at every campaign, which is Rs. 150 more than he gains usually.

The male members of the family are not the only ones profiting from these events. L. Kuppamma, a housewife, says she is offered Rs. 300 for attending a campaign and an additional Rs. 50 for every other member she is able to rally to this cause. “Every election season, I am guaranteed a regular flow of income,” says Mrs. Kuppamma. "The party doesn’t matter. I choose wherever I want to go.” 

Although there are many who gain out of this political play, the local shopkeepers are at a disadvantage. A campaign in their area keeps the pharmacists, tailors, tutorials and local grocery shops shut and out of business for a whole day, due to fear of riots.

With the election season coming to an end, everyone will have to get back to his or her regular business and daily routine.