If the PMK getting the Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency in the AIADMK-led mega alliance was a surprise, the party announcing Sam Paul, an entrepreneur, came as another surprise.

Unfazed by the track record of the DMK and the Marans in the constituency, Mr. Paul began his campaign early on Sunday from Wall Tax Road in the harbour area. With a sizable north Indian population, Mr. Paul chose the development plank for his campaign. “For development, please vote for the AIADMK-BJP alliance,” he told voters.

With the electorate comprising Hindi, Tamil and Telugu-speaking people, the PMK candidate resorted to a multi-lingual campaign. Speaking in the three languages, persons campaigning on behalf of Mr. Paul sought votes as his vehicle passed through the narrow Mint Street, Amman Koil Street and other lanes in the area. Highlighting that there was no corruption under Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre, Mr. Paul promised that he would be accessible to the people.

Mango parade

As he drove down the narrow lanes, he was surrounded by supporters holding Mango — the PMK’s symbol. “People get confused with the symbol. Summer is coming. Mango is your symbol. Keep this in mind,” his spokesperson said, much to the delight of the crowds, who watched the campaign from their terraces.

Asked about the campaign in Hindi, Mr. Paul said that it was because of the target audience. “I’m pro-Tamil. I’m also against forcible imposition of Hindi,” he added. He also said the focus would be on attracting more investments and increasing the tourism potential in the city.

AIADMK leaders N. Balaganga and S.R. Vijaykumar were present during the campaign.

In the evening, Mr. Paul campaigned in the Thousand Lights area. Singer T.K. Kala campaigned for him and slammed the DMK-Congress alliance and urged people not to vote for it.