With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, preparations for high-voltage campaigning have gathered pace, with political parties gearing up their campaign vehicles in Coimbatore.
As alliance talks and seat-sharing arrangements near completion, major parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are intensifying strategies. The electoral contest is also expected to see participation from newer and regional players such as the Naam Tamilar Katchi and other emerging alliances.
At a private facility in Sivananda Colony, work is in full swing to modify vehicles for political leaders’ roadshows and campaign tours. Orders have been placed by multiple parties to customise vehicles with advanced features.
P.V. Mohammed Riaz, owner of a company specialising in campaign vehicle fabrication, said the firm has over three decades of experience in modifying Tempo Traveller vehicles for political use.
He said parties procure new vehicles, complete registration, and bring them in for customisation. Depending on requirements, the vehicles are fitted with hydraulic or automatic platforms, luxury seating, air-conditioning, beds, tables, television, Wi-Fi, loudspeakers, lighting systems, and even toilets in select cases.
The modification process can take anywhere between 15 days and two months. Apart from Tamil Nadu, vehicles are also brought in from Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala for similar customisation.
Riaz added that new features such as AI-enabled cameras are being installed in vehicles for this election. He noted that Urbania vans are expected to see increased use due to their spacious design compared to traditional Tempo Travellers.
In addition to large campaign vehicles, smaller vehicles such as jeeps and Bolero models are also being prepared for use in narrow streets and interior areas during election canvassing.
