The DMK alliance led by M.K.Stalin was voted to power in the recently concluded Assembly elections in Tamilnadu. Though Stalin has achieved his long cherished ambition / dream of occupying the CM chair, he would have liked to take the reins in a much better environment. The state is witnessing the devastating strike of the second wave of Covid 19. The state, unlike last year, is at the bottom of the table in the fight against the deadly disease. The new government faces quite an unenviable task of fighting against the pandemic even while restoring the economy to pre-Covid era. Add to that the several poll promises of DMK as well as its manifesto. Stalin has assured the Tamils the Dawn of New Era (vidiyal).
As to the advantages for DMK, there are a few strong points:
1. Absolute and comfortable majorityin the house on its own, hence no coalition compulsion
2. Blend of senior and junior leaders
3. Almost the entire cabinet has experience of administration in the earlier govts.
4. Well oiled party machinery
5. Weak, divided opposition
6.Friendly allies
7. Most friendly media and, above all,
8. Unbiased / helpful Central Govt.
The former CM, DMK president and father of Stalin, M.Karunanidhi, advocated and maintained “cordial, harmonious relations with the Central Govt of the day” for the benefit of the state. Will Stalin carry forward the legacy of his illustrious father? But following incidents, actions, speeches of his cabinet colleagues, party leaders cast doubts about the intention of his Govt / party.
1. Stalin , soon after he was sworn in as CM, edited the profile of his Twitter handle adding “I am of Dravidian Stock”.
2.His finance Minister P.T.R. Palanivel Rajan, in a controversial interview, spewed venom on Isha Yoga, its founder Juggi Vasudev and against a particular community.
3. Palanivel Rajan sought to give a new “twist” in calling the Union Govt , in Tamil as “ Ondriya Arasu” instead of “ Madhya Arasu” as normally called. This creates a doubt whether DMK would ever shed its divisive agenda.
4. , A CPI(M) MP, (DMK’s ally) also echoed this view.
5. Even as former Union Minister and party’s parliamentary wing leader T.R.Baalu and state Minister Thangam Thennarasu after meeting Central Mimnisters in Delhi accepted and complimented the Union Govt for its help in the Covid 19 fight, the state health minister, Ma. Subramaniam, claimed that Central govt is not helping.
6. Cabinet Ministers, MP, and senior leaders openly (in public meetings/ interviews) threaten those who have not voted for DMK and/or its allies.
7. MPs, education minister and others selectively attack a few schools, among many, for alleged sexual abuse on students by some teachers.
8.HR & CE’s attempt to “appoint” Vaishnava saint (Jeeyar) for Sriragam Ramanujar Mutt, against the established practice/norms, could be thwarted only after a strong, all round protest.
9.Recurring incidents of DMK workers disturbing / hijacking the good pandemic relief work by Hindu organisations led by RSS.
10. En masse transfer of IAS and IPS officers unmindful of disturbing the pandemic relief work.
Stalin and DMK need to answer these:
1. Does Stalin enjoy absolute control of the party/govt?
2. If so, why does he not control the loose cannons?
3. With the seniors/veterans falling in line, does Gen-next cadre want to take control?
4. Do the disgruntled members of the family want to embarrass the leadership?
5. Does the party want to take to a secessionist agenda all over again?
6. Does the party attempt to divert the public attention from its lapses in serious issues?