Automatic sun-proof shields, satellite TV, auto-recliners, electrically-operated toilets, microwave ovens, refrigerator, and mood lighting are just some of the features of the state-of-the-art caravans that politicians all over Tamil Nadu will be using for their election canvassing this time.

Although this is not the first time that caravans have appeared on the election trail, the vehicles have become all the more sophisticated now.

Ever since the election dates were announced, vehicle remodelling experts in Chennai and Coimbatore are busy tinkering with and custom-designing the caravans, the home-on-wheels for politicians on the campaign run.

K.S. Venkatesh, a modification specialist from Chennai, says that it costs anywhere between Rs.5 lakhs to 30 lakhs to modify the caravans.

AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa’s caravan is already a campaign regular. DMK chief Karunanidhi’s caravan will have a German-made automated hydraulic lift to lift his wheelchair. The BJP and Congress are busy modifying caravans for their local leaders.