If you step out of your house, it is difficult to miss the clutter and clamour of the upcoming elections. But, nearly 25 kms away from the city, in Kuppichipalayam, political affiliations or preferences are not on display - either as posters and paintings on the walls or as flags and banners hung outside their houses. Thanks to the residents’ own personal code of conduct in practice over the last six decades.
Walls of houses in Kuppichipalayam, which falls under the fifth ward of Periyanaickenalayam Town Panchayat, remain uncluttered and free from political slogans and party flags. Home to nearly 300 families, the people here are not indifferent to politics. The residents support various parties, they only do not advertise them.
“This is a practice we have been following since pre-independence. Our forefathers had decided to not draw any pictures of political leaders or write party advertisements and slogans on the walls. Even though people here belong to various parties, no one will violate this ‘unimplemented’ rule and all will keep their walls clean from politics,” says 52-year-old L N Dhanabal, who is the union secretary of MDMK.
When Express asked residents for the reason behind this action, no one was sure about it. “We do not impose fine or take action against persons who might draw political slogans or advertisements on their walls. We have not passed any resolution in the panchayat,” said ward councillor Dhanalakshmi.