RTI activists enter political fray in TN

Chennai: Ahead of the Assembly polls, several Right to Information (RTI) activists have taken a plunge in Tamil Nadu's electoral battle contesting from the mainstream party tickets, which include, DMK, AIADMK and VCK. Senthil Arumugam, an RTI activist for the past 15 years, has been bringing out several issues pertaining to the lives of people.

Arumugam is contesting from the Pallavaram constituency under the banner of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). Speaking to IANS, Arumugam said: "I have been an RTI activist for the past fifteen years and have brought to the forefront several issues which were hushed up. Now I intend to take this up to a larger audience by fighting the elections and a win will directly help me intervening in the people's issue as a legislator." Several activists have now turned to the mainstream political parties as there is a dearth in their funding following the governmet's implementation of tough legislation restricting foreign donations. R.R.Senthilnathan, a Chennai-based RTI activist who also runs an NGO, said: "The central government has brought in tough restrictions on foreign funds and this is creating a major hindrance to our activities. I am now supporting VCK and am providing them materials which will be useful for their election campaign."

He added, "I am charging money from them as I don't have a single penny as the funds were stopped from some major NGO's who are now running from pillar to post for meager funds to stay afloat." Shiv Ilango , who is contesting from Tambaram, told IANS: "I had contested elections against Karunanidhi, and this is not new to me. However, there is a lack of funds and I am now shifting from activism to mainstream politics which is a direct way to serve the people."