Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Wednesday launched his party's election campaign from his birth place Thiruvaroor but it remained a lacklustre show. When the veteran leader announced free laptops for students and free bus rides in government as well as private buses for those above 58 years of age, there was no enthusiasm, no reciprocative applause from the audience.

It was when the Tamil comedian Vadivelu was called to address the public meeting the entire crowd clapped, cheered Vaidvelu. The same applause was missing
when Karunanidhi announced freebies.

Karunanidhi's speech was not imperssive as he was the last speaker getting introduced as the candidate for the assembly from the constituency. PMK leader S Ramadoss, TNCC chief KV Thangkabalu and Thirumavalavan addressed the audience before him.

The too-tired leader, who is 86 years, is contesting for the 11th time for the assembly- and in his speech he mentioned that Thiruvaroor
was till now a reserved constituency, but with the delimitation in 2011 this constituency has become general. Hence Karunanidhi  returned to his birth place. As the Election Commission is too strict in observing its rule of not holding rallies beyond 10 pm, the chief minister checked his wrist watch and stopped addressing the meeting.

He was not in his usual style and his oratorial skills have suffered a setback with his advanced age, commented a senior Congress leader.