Retired TN professor embarks on a journey on foot for a cleaner electoral system

Chennai, March 3 (IANS) A retired professor and former head of Political Science of Madras University, Dr. Ramu Manivannnan, is set to embark on a padayatra from Kanniyakumari to Chennai. The yatra aims to educate people of Tamil Nadu against the culture of freebies during elections and emphasize that votes are a right, not to be exchanged for money or gifts.

Dr. Ramu Manivannan announced the launch of the ‘Vellore Declaration’ during a media interaction in Vellore. The padayatra is scheduled to commence this week and he welcomes all individuals interested in reforming the electoral system and advocating for new leaders to join him on this journey, expected to last at least two months.

During the yatra, Dr. Manivannan plans to distribute leaflets and written material to raise awareness against the practice of accepting freebies and money in exchange for votes. He stresses the importance of voters buying essential items like fans, mixers, and grinders rather than accepting them as political gifts.

The professor acknowledges the challenge of breaking the cycle of voters expecting freebies and cash in return for their votes. Drawing inspiration from the Aam Aadmi Party’s success in New Delhi without resorting to such practices, he aims to promote a similar ethos of clean electioneering and voting.

Dr. Ramu Manivannan also calls for government intervention in providing free medical services and education, believing that such initiatives would greatly contribute to cleansing the electoral system. Additionally, he urges the public not to support candidates who exploit natural resources through activities like illegal sand mining and deforestation.

As Dr. Manivannan prepares to embark on his padayatra, his message against the culture of freebies and corruption in elections resonates as a call to action for the people of Tamil Nadu to uphold the integrity of their democratic rights and responsibilities.

–IANS
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