Fisherfolk root for Amma

The community hall was a hub of activity when we arrived, with several men working on fishing nets.

Anbazhagan appeared to be the leader of the pack because, when he came forward to talk, the others let him. He had been a staunch supporter of the DMK all these years. "I am not ashamed to say I have switched sides now. I am with the ADMK and will vote only for iratta ilai," he said.

The reason behind the shift in loyalty is, obviously, the tremendous help provided by the ADMK government when the tsunami struck. Anbazhagan was soon joined by Rajendran and Ranganathan, and there was no difference in what they said.

"Amma came to see us. Her government gave us Rs 32,000 to buy a net and boats. She also gave us houses. For six months, we had food only because of her -- everything from rice, to dal and oil. Except for coconuts and vegetables, we were given everything."

Also See: Amma came, saw and conquered