political parties ropes in children for election campaigns

May 03 2016 : The Times of India (Chennai) They cost less, demand no liquor, and  their nimble hands pass on pamphlets  shanmughasundaram.j@timesgroup.com   Though Violation Of Model Code, Kids Are Used In Campaign Throwing the Election Commission's warnings to the wind, many political  parties have been eng aging children in campaigning in Vellore.For political parties and their campaign managers, the energetic young boys  are a whole package. They distribute pamphlets, and whistle and dance to the  tunes of songs to keep the campaigns lively. They are also not as demanding  as the party cadres and adults, and therefore considered cost-effective campaign tools. “The young boys are a vital cog to propel the final phase of the election campaign. They enjoy every bit of the action and never complain like the adults (party cadres). They easily draw the attention of the public,“ said a campaign manager. Campaign managers say that some children volunteer to take part while a few accompany their relatives. “I had come with my uncle,“ said Naveen, who  is under 12 years, waving the BJP's saffron flag. He was spotted campaigning with a group of boys aged between 14 and 16 years at Palar Garden, a residential area oppo site the district police office in Sathuvachari. For many boys hailing from poor  families, it is a win-win situation.  They  enjoy the school holidays  by going around the city with their  friends, travel in  autos, and distribute pamphlets in the residential areas and to  passers by. At the  end of the fun-filled day, they will get between `75 and `150,  apart from lunch and soft drinks. “I came with my friends in twowheelers in a rally with party flags. Though it was a hot day and tiring, I enjoyed it. It is a jolly trip for us. We have also got `100 each,“ said a boy, aged about 14.His friends seconded what he  had to say. These boys came along with PMK cadres on Friday when the party's candidate was filing his nomination papers. A campaign manager said they have to pay between `200 and `300 and provide biriyani for lunch for the cadres coming for the campaign. Many demand liquor at the end of the day. “Young boys are less of a hassle. They cost only one third,“ he said. When questioned whether having children is a violation of the model code of  conduct, he tersely replied that they did not compel them (young boys) to come  for the campaign.