Viyanarasu is perhaps the only eco-friendly electoral candidate in poll bound Tamil Nadu.
With no noise or air pollution in his campaign, Viyanarasu is perhaps the only eco-friendly electoral candidate in poll bound Tamil Nadu. The social worker and activist-turned-politician carries a solar panel installed on his moped to power his mic and speaker. Often he is on his foot while meeting voters.
Viyanarasu, who is contesting the Tirunelvelli constituency from film director Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi party promises quality education, industrial development, focus on solar power and protecting the river Thamiraparani, the only perennial river in the state.
His party's slogan is change. The 55-year-old says it is important to walk the talk. "Since we ourselves are examples of the change we are talking about, young voters like this. They welcome this simple campaign and encourage us to continue. Large number of voters support us," he said.
The green candidate is pitted against five other parties, chiefly the Dravidian arch rivals: DMK's ALL Lachmanan and AIADMK's former minister Nainar Nagendran.
Pollution during a campaign is not a priority for most leaders and candidates across Tamil Nadu. While many turn a blind eye to their carbon foot print, from their guzzlers to choppers, Mr Viyanarasu proves that electioneering can be low on decibels and emissions but high on substance.
The state goes to polls on May 16.