India
oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P
Chennai, Mar 05: With the State assembly elections around the corner, the relationship between politicians and public is seen as a seasonal affair. The acquaintance remains largely virtual through mass media until it’s election time.
The clad in crisp white Khadi, they descend among the masses to lecture, debate, and hard-sell, even while maintaining safe distance. This image is as old as the Indian democracy.
For the past few days, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is trying to change that image about him and his party. His attempts to connect with people of various walks of life have largely been successful from an image-building point of view. However, the debate from the Opposition claims it as political stunts.
Around Pongal, he came down to Madurai to watch Jallikattu. He sat down in a pandhi and shared a meal with a bunch of youngsters during that visit. During the…