JOIN USGone are the days when political campaigns could not be held without open jeeps.
Political leaders in Tamil Nadu now use state-of-the-art customised vehicles equipped with internet and satellite TVs and have almost all the facilities offered in a luxury hotel room.
Specialised election campaign vehicles called as mobile homes or caravans depending on their functionality and use, are in focus, as politicians gear up to woo voters in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Mechanics in Chennai and Coimbatore, famous for vehicle modifications, are busy meeting the demands of the political parties.
The vehicles can easily be converted into comfortable homes, where political stalwarts can eat, relax and work on their next “moves” after a day of vigorous election campaign.
Tamil Nadu former chief minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M Karunanidhi is expected to meet the voters from a wheelchair that was raised into his “hi-tech” campaign vehicle with a special lift imported from Germany.
Not to be left behind, his arch rival and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalitha will
also campaign from a van equipped with a small dressing room, cosy sofas and bed with reclining chairs and even toilet.
“It depends on the customer's requirement,” P V Mohammed Riaz, managing partner, Coimbatore-based Koyas and Sons said.
He said it will take at least 20 days to one month to modify a vehicle and it depends on the order he gets from the political parties.
Karunanidhi’s son M K Stalin has also ordered such modified van to carry out his whirlwind tour from Kanyakumari constituency on March 14.
“The vehicle will also contain motorised revolving tables and chairs, a public address system, air conditioner and even phone facilities,” said M Sekhar, mechanic of K S P Motors at Pudupet.
“The modification of vehicles costs from Rs 2 lakh to even Rs 20 lakh,” he said.