Chennai: DMK treasurer and heir apparent M K Stalin went for a major image makeover in a bid to reach out to the people, ahead of the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu next year. Dressed in bright formal wear teamed with a pair of stylish sunglasses and canvas shoes, 62 year old Stalin shed his trademark white shirt and dhoti for the first time in four decades of his political career.
The change is seen as an attempt to grab the attention of the young, especially those belonging in the age group of 18- 29, who make up for about 21 per cent of the state's 5.5 crore electorate. The reach out plan is called 'Namakku Naame Vidiyal Meetpu Payanam', and began on September 20 in Kanyakumari. It aims to cover all the 234 assembly constituencies in the state. Trying to connect personally with the people, Stalin rides a bicycle, scooter and travels in autorickshaws, buses and shakes hands with the 'common' man.
Also, the leader has tea and refreshments at roadside eateries, food with students, workers and farmers, and makes symbolic gestures like lending a helping hand to an elderly woman in her spinning wheel.
