The entire TN media agog with en-mass resignations in Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) political party founded and headed by actor Kamalahasan. The entire central committee, of course handpicked and nominated by the actor, has resigned. Mahendran, one of the Vice Presidents of the party, has, in a letter, alleged anti-democratic / arbitrary functioning of the president. The leadership has not learnt from the electoral drubbing, he accused. the party’s vote share has fallen sharply from 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Ponraj, the other VP , and the aide of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, said all top office bearers have resigned to enable Kamalahasan to restructure the party. Kamalhasan accused Mahendran as a drohi. MNM has aligned with Samathuva Makkal Katchi , founded and lead by Sarathkumar, yester year film actor. All the contestants of both the parties lost their deposits, sole exception being Mr.Kamalhasan.
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded in 2005 and led by actor turned politician Vijayakanth, fought 2006 Assembly elections, Viyakanth being the only winner on the maiden attempt. The party fought 2009 Lok Sabha elections , could get double digit vote percentage. Aligned with AIADMK in 2011 was official opposition party in the assembly. But due to highhandedness of the family members, arbitrary decision has steadily loosing its vote shares in 2016 and 2019 elections. In the recent elections it aligned with TTV Dhinkaran’s AMMK and polled 0.8 % and its treasurer Premalatha Vijakanth, fondly known as “ Anni” ( Bhabhi) lost her deposit.
After MGR in TN and NTR in Andhra no cine actor who floated pollical parties could succeed. All these parties being individual centric, tried to capitalize the charisma of the actors. The families of the actors were at the helm of affairs with fan clubs as the support base. All of them entered politics as post retirement option. In a democracy any one can start / join any party and contest elections. What is needed is voters’ confidence / trust. Playing to the scripted role of benevolent leader / CM / PM under the filmi direction is easier, may win fans, but it takes much more in real life to be the leader.
