Everybody in Mullikkulathur calls him “Thalaivar” meaning headman in Tamil.
He controls the entire political circus in and around the village. Ethiraj is very well known and respected. He is the deputy headman of the Mullikkulathur and is totally the one in control. He does not stay in Mullikkulathur, but in another village close by. A simple man dressed in the trademark white shirt and dhoti, his political clout and power can be gauged from his well built house and the array of vehicles in his parking lot.
On questioning him about the political scene, Ethiraj says that though there are people supporting different parties, there have never been clashes between party cadres. He goes on to explain the political setup in the villages .The five nearby villages together come under a gram sabha, which meets twice a year, headed by the headman. The village panchayats handle all the individual civic problems. Bigger villages are further broken down into wards with each ward electing a ward councillor.
When asked about the village governance Ethiraj at once talks about how the entire village is well maintained - there is no caste based issues he says, no water problem, He assures that all government schemes have been implemented without much delay including NAREGA, TV, and gas stove distribution.
He concedes that alcoholism is an issue that needs to be addressed. He says that the healthcare system is a little poor though there is a nurse to look after the emergency needs. Ethiraj promises help for all social activities and pledges his support for any such event. Is this another political promise? We will soon find out.
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