At a time when every move is part of the run-up to the Tamil Nadu assembly election, political parties have been working hard to ensure a victory and are leaving no stone unturned. The year's most important festival for the people of Tamil Nadu, Pongal, is seeing all political parties working hard to gain the favour of the masses.

The ruling AIADMK has announced Rs 2,500, sugarcane, one shirt and saree along with other essentials used to make Pongal (a delicacy that is made with rice) for the people of Tamil Nadu. Senior AIADMK ministers, including CM E Palaniswami, Health Minister Vijayabaskar, have been involved in personally handing over Pongal gifts to the masses.

Initially, there were AIADMK banners in most ration shops where the distribution drive took place but faced a lot of backlash from opposition parties who approached the court and got the banners removed.

Opposition said the monetary support given by the government was alleged to be a way to influence the voters. The beneficiaries who have been the most-affected by the nationwide lockdown, see this as great assistance during the festive period.

"We are very happy that the government is providing this aide to us during Pongal. In the Covid-19 time, we will be able to buy clothes for the kids and celebrate Pongal with this money," said Lokanayaki, a housewife in Chennai.

Meanwhile, it is not just the ruling AIADMK that has planned an election campaign surrounding Pongal. Ally BJP too has started their Pongal activities.

Actress Khushboo who recently joined the BJP was part of the party’s Pongal celebration in Madurai. Similarly, the BJP will also be launching ‘Namma Ooru Pongal’, a celebration of Pongal along with the masses, and on January 14, BJP national president JP Nadda will be reaching Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu to launch the celebration there.

Similarly, the opposition parties of DMK and Congress are planning a big celebration in the state. The DMK is organising Pongal celebration in Madurai, a region that was considered to be the stronghold of Alagiri.

But with the threat of Alagiri trying to re-enter politics, DMK is making it's ground stronger there. Similarly, the Congress will have Rahul Gandhi travelling to the state to witness the Jallikattu celebration in the state.

At the time of the upcoming elections, making best use of the available opportunity all major political parties are trying their hand at impressing the general public. Who will be the most impressive, we will have to wait and watch.