After C.N.Annadurai’s historic win in 1968 Tamil Nadu is being ruled by only by MKs, ie DMK and ADMK. Head or tail MK will never fail. This was the slogan going on in Tamil Nadu for the past 40 years. True to this no other party than these two parties D(MK) and AD(MK) came to power alternatively.
At this juncture actor Vijaykanth, popularly known as Captain, started a party ending not with MK but with DK. His DM(DK) made deep inroads into the vote banks of both DMK and ADMK eversince the party was started.
The speciality of this party was the guts of its leader Vijaykanth. Even when national parties like Congress and BJP and leading regional parties like Karunanidhi’s DMK and Jayalalitha’s ADMK contested all elections with an alliance it was Vijaykanth who contested all elections so far without any alliance that too with considerable success.
During the last assembly elections DMDK could change the fate of the results in as much as 78 constituencies. The percentage of vote polled in favour of DMDK was amazing and has created a fear in the minds of DMK and ADMK.
In the above scenario election commission has suddenly announced by election for Thirumangalam Constituency at Madurai. With Lok Sabha elections nearing, no party seem to take any risk in alligning with any party openly. With Communists ditching Congress and PMK sent out of DMK led alliance Thirumangalam election is interestingly poised.
With Congress, PMK and Communist in their side DMK could get majority collectively in 2006 but could not form government individually. If congress and PMK tilts towards ADMK there is danger of DMK being thrown out of power. If congress does anything in Tamil Nadu their Central government may fall as it depends on DMK and allied parties support at Centre. Hence every party is moving their coins very carefully for Thirumangalam elections.
This may be a just another election for DMK or ADMK. But for Vijaykanth’s DMDK this election is very important. The percentage of vote that this party is going to get in this election will decide the bargaining strength of Vijaykanth for the ensuing Parliament elections which is likely to be held in May, 2009.
Vijaykanth, yet again, has chosen to contest this election alone and has announced his party’s candidate. This seems to be a very good move on the part of Vijaykanth.
Tamil Nadu voters are electing either DMK or ADMK not because of their good governance but because of non availability of suitable alternative. Vijaykanth has got all necessary requisite to provide an alternative government if he alligns properly with Congress. He is capable enough to lead the coalition. He should also rope in Sarathkumar’s Samathuva Makkal Katchi. All these things are possible only when he provides a good show at Thirumangalam.
Thirumangalam election and the ensuing Parliament Election only will determine whether Tamil Nadu electorates will OK this DK in 2011.
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Jan 13, 2009 at 08:02:15
The verdict is out at Thirumangalam. The DMK victory really means nothing more than the superbly organised and executed electioneering ( by bribing and creating a fear factor). Vijaykanth has managed to perform reasonably well considering the odds but for him to graduate to the next level he must be able to match the unfair tactics of the other main parties or atleast be able to prevent them. The main parties have encouraged goondas and hooligans of all sorts and also given many of them responsibility and respectibilty and they pay back the party at the right time. If only Vijaykanth can prepare his cadre for the final push wherein these outlaws are put in place only then can he earn the goodwill of the silent but seething majority who feel in reversing this tide.