Elections: Granny's record; MGR lookalike

      Aroor (Kerala): An 86-year-old minister and the oldest and the longest serving legislator in the state assembly, KR Gouri Amma, is all set for another electoral battle from Aroor constituency in Alappuzha district for the coming assembly elections in Kerala. Her only defeat came in the 1977 polls. Gouri Amma also holds the record of winning 11 out of 12 assembly elections in Kerala . "I remember the days, when I was the only woman in the assembly, but now the whole scenario has changed and the women in large numbers are entering politics. I entered politics in 1946, and I have done so many things for my constituency , Aroor," said Gauri Amma, Agricultural Minister of Janathipathya Samrakhana Samithy ( JSS ) If she wins this time, it will be history not only in the Kerala politics but in the whole country for being the oldest and the longest serving legislator in the state assembly and her fellow party members hope that she will enter the Guiness book of world records . "My entry into politics was just for the people and I feel that a lot more is to be done for the villagers , mainly to solve the drinking water shortage in Aroor " said Gouri Amma . She had married her party colleague TV Thomas in 1957, but they got separated when the Communist Party Of India split into two, with Gouri joining the newly formed Communist Party of India , Marxist in 1964. But in this battle her fight is with the youngest candidate of the constituency, who is contesting under the CPM. banner and he thinks that her age will be the major factor to get him victory. Amma had been ousted from the CPI-M and in 1994, she formed the Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithi and joined the Congress-led United Democratic Front. She was made a minister in the AK Anthony cabinet in May 2001. She again became a minister when Oomen Chandy took over from Antony as chief minister in August this year.

MGR's look-a-like fascinating crowds

      Coimbatore: Long after the death Dr Marudur Gopalamenon Ramachandran popularly known as "MGR" and "Puratchi Thalaivar" or, revolutionary leader, his larger than life personality continues to live in the hearts of thousands of families. And, for the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (AIADMK), his image holds great significance, especially, during elections. In a bid to garner the support of voters of Tamil Nadu, in the wake of the forthcoming assembly elections, the AIADMK candidates are using the services of founder of AIADMK M G Ramchandran's look-alike, Anandraj. Anandraj is making huge inroads in the mind and psyche of the followers of the star icon of the party. "I am happy to meet you in this election. Don't forget to vote for AIADMK and make the Democratic People's Front win. I am doing the make up of MGR for the past 12 years after the demise of the great leader. I wish to unite all the AIADMK carders to work for the victory of DPF in the elections. I am doing the campaign for T. Malaravan who is a candidate of AIADMK," said Anandraj.

     Campaigning for an AIADMK candidate T Malaravan from Coimbatore west, Anandraj is confident of influencing voters in the guise of M G Ramchandran. "I will campaign in this election explaining the people about the various welfare schemes launched during Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) rule. MGR still lives in the hearts of people of Tamil Nadu. Our Amma took care of the AIADMK party left by MGR. She still follows the principles of MGR. The image of MGR and Amma will make us win the election with a huge margin. I am confident about my victory," said T Malaravan, party candidate from Coimbatore West. But the look-a-like Anandraj is now wishing to campaign across the State for all the candidates of his party and the allies of People's Democratic Front (PDF). " I am planning to campaign all over the state for the victory of DPF. When I go for a campaign with this make up people believe that still our great leader. MGR is alive. I am also planning to campaign for other candidates of AIADMK and its allies," said Anandraj. Dr. MGR was the first ever film actor to become a Chief Minister in India. He was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu between 1977 and 1987. Assembly election for 234 constituencies of Tamil Nadu is scheduled for May 8.

Jayalalitha files papers from Andipatti

      Theni (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo J Jayalalithaa filed her nomination papers from Andipatti constituency for the assembly polls in the State on Saturday. After filing her nomination papers, she handed it over to the District Backward Class Welfare Officer at the Collectorate here. Earlier, Jayalalithaa's papers were not accepted as she had already filed her nominations from more than two constituencies, in violation of electoral rules. She won the by-election in 2002 after the Supreme Court exonerated her of involvement in the Tansi land case. Andipatti has remained the pocket borough of the AIADMK ever since the party's founder and late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran got elected from there in the early 1980s. Over 200 nominations have already been filed in most of the 234 constituencies in which elections will be held on May 8. Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) Presidium Chairman and former AIADMK Minister Panruti S Ramachandran in Cuddalore district have already filed his paper while another former AIADMK Minister, Dr H V Hande filed his papers as BJP candidate in Anna Nagar. Some others who have been filed their papers include former Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) Ministers Durai Murugan in Katpadi, Ponmudi in Villupuram and K Pitchandi in Tiruvannamalai and actor Nepolean in Mylapore.

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