Personality-driven politics gels easily with a dynastic leadership transition. It is no surprise that in Tamil Nadu, two energetic sons have been shouldering the burden of carrying forward the political agenda of their respective parties.
One has been less fortunate than the other, as he is still under the shadow of his illustrious father who spearheads the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s bid to return to power in Tamil Nadu.
The other is the Chief Ministerial candidate of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). What is common between M.K. Stalin and Anbumani Ramadoss is that both have been striving to cultivate an independent image for themselves. And they have been pressing the flesh with great zeal this election season.
Two years ago, DMK leader M. Karunanidhi declared that Mr. Stalin, his son and party treasurer, would succeed him in the party. And a year ago, the PMK, a party with its main base among the Vanniyars, a most backward caste, declared Mr. Anbumani, the party founder S. Ramadoss’s son, as its chief ministerial candidate.
Makeover mode The two ambitious men plunged into an image-building exercise in somewhat the same manner as Prime Minister Narendra Modi did in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. As the polls draw near and their campaign gains a higher profile, they now appear to be gradually overshadowing their party organisations.
Youthful apparel, custom-made podiums and meetings with diverse target audiences have become the norm for both. In a departure from the political culture and rhetoric of Tamil Nadu, they deliver data-laden speeches, and sometimes speak with the zeal of an evangelist. In a sense, they are distancing themselves from their party organisations the voters usually identify with flowery oratory, political clichés and the stiff traditional attire of dhotis sporting party colours.
What is the reason for a campaign based on personalities rather than the party’s programme? “There is an ideological vacuum; all political parties, including the Communists, have become advocates of welfare schemes. Mr. Stalin and Mr. Anbumani are seeking to fulfil the expectations of the people,” says Viduthalai Rajendran, general secretary of the Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam.
Mr. Stalin has devised a programme, “Namakku Naame” (We, for ourselves), aimed at giving him a much-needed makeover as a gen-next politician. Under the banner of this scheme, he has travelled across the State, meeting people from different walks of life. The programme was handled by professionals, instead of local party leaders, apparently to give it wider appeal.
But Mr. Stalin denies any special emphasis on him. “I am an ordinary party cadre, and our leader [Mr. Karunanidhi] will be Chief Minister if the DMK is elected.”
“The objective was to create awareness, not only in the DMK but also in Tamil Nadu, that politicians should reach out to the public,” he says, rejecting the view that “Namakku Naame” was aimed at projecting his image.
Mr. Anbumani, who is not constrained by a rigid party structure, has been able to gain an independent face quickly. “Every political party has a face. Mr. Modi for the BJP, Ms. Jayalalithaa for the AIADMK, Mr. Kejriwal for the Aam Aadmi Party. It is the strategy of my party to promote a young, educated and a neutral face. The strategy worked in the Dharmapuri Lok Sabha constituency,” he says. He was his party’s choice, and his candidature could not be seen in isolation from that fact, he argues.
In the case of Mr. Stalin, though the organisation is under his control, outweighing a leader of Mr. Karunandhi’s stature is not easy. The day the DMK released its manifesto, it was Mr. Karunanidhi who read out relevant portions.
“You cannot compare the DMK and PMK. The DMK has a party structure and represents the pluralistic nature of society. Though Mr. Stalin is the leader’s son, he was not catapulted to the treasurer’s post. He came up the ladder gradually. That is why Mr. Alagiri [his brother] is not able to get an equal position,” says Mr. Rajendran
