Chennai: The DMK and AIADMK have reportedly dropped their customary practice of setting up summer “water pandals” this year, following their defeat in the Assembly election.
In Tamil Nadu, the peak summer period typically runs from May into June, when political parties often arrange drinking-water stalls along roads and at crowded public spots. These stalls usually distribute items such as watermelon, muskmelon, tender coconut, cucumber, lemon juice and traditional drinks.
Local functionaries at the district, union, town, municipality and panchayat levels generally coordinate the arrangements, while ministers, MLAs and senior office-bearers from the ruling party traditionally inaugurate the stalls.
This year, the “Agni Natchathiram” heat period began on the day election results were announced. However, both parties are said to have shown little interest in opening water pandals, as both now sit in the opposition.
The report also claims that despite heavy spending during the election, the Dravidian parties suffered a major defeat, while the relatively new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam won enough seats to form the government. It is alleged that anger over the outcome has contributed to the decision not to run the summer stalls.
