Riding the crest of a silent anti-incumbency wave in the April 13 Assembly elections, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday stormed back to power in Tamil Nadu, paving the way for a third substantive term as Chief Minister for its leader Jayalalithaa.
The AIADMK and its allies were set to shoot past the 200-seat mark in the 234-member Assembly, decimating the rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-Congress alliance.
The AIADMK was on the way to winning 150 seats, a convincing majority of its own. With 227 seats declared by 11 p.m., the AIADMK front's tally stood at 199, while the DMK-led alliance accounted for 28 seats. The AIADMK had an individual tally of 148, and was leading in two other constituencies, while its ally, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), had garnered 27 and was leading in two more constituencies. The CPI(M) and the CPI won 10 and nine seats respectively. Two smaller allies accounted for two seats each.
The DMK won 21 seats and was leading in two other constituencies, while its main ally, the Congress, recorded its worst performance in recent years, winning just five seats.
For Ms. Jayalalithaa, this marks a triumphant return to power after five years, a reversal of fortunes after her party lost every general election begun with the 39-nil defeat in 2004. The party lost the 2006 Assembly polls and was again bested by the DMK in the 2009 parliamentary elections.
“My first priority will be to restore law and order and fulfil the promises made in our election manifesto,” Ms. Jayalalithaa told journalists at her residence. She said rebuilding the State's fiscal health, which she described as being in a state of ruin, was also a priority.
The severity of the DMK's defeat can be gauged from the fact that 16 Ministers lost, while Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin scraped through with a slender margin of 2,819 votes after a day-long see-saw battle against Saidai S. Duraisamy of the AIADMK in the Kolathur constituency in the city. DMK general secretary and Finance Minister K. Anbazhagan was trailing at Villivakkam, while several other senior Ministers — K. Ponmudy, K.N. Nehru, MRK Panneerselvam, Veerapandi S. Arumugam and Pongalur N. Palanisamy — besides Speaker R. Avudaiyappan and Deputy Speaker V.P. Duraisamy found themselves on the losing side.
“The people of Tamil Nadu have given me rest,” said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in a brief reaction. He won his Tiruvarur seat by a margin of over 50,000 votes, the 12th time he has been elected to the Assembly, but his hopes of being sworn in Chief Minister for a sixth time were dashed by the decisive verdict. He sent in his resignation to Governor Surjit Singh Barnala in the afternoon as the trends firmed up.
For the DMDK, the election represented a success of sorts as it shed its stand of contesting all elections alone and forged an alliance with the AIADMK with the sole aim of defeating the DMK. However, DMDK leader Vijayakant made it clear that his party had no plans to seek inclusion in the new regime. “We have not demanded a role in the government. Even when we formed the alliance that was our stance,” he told journalists. “This is a victory for the people and my cadre,” he said adding the ruling party's belief that “money power” could ensure its victory was proved wrong.
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), which chose to go with the DMK, won only two of the 30 seats it contested and was leading in one constituency. The Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) failed to open its account despite contesting 10 seats in the DMK-led front.
Keywords: Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Jayalalithaa
Congrats Jaya. Please do continue the good works of MK's regime. Don't get influenced by the forward community people's advice like Mr. CHo. He is a real Thuglak (in character) . Let us not forget the goodwork of DMK - industry revolution, more job opputunities,power, commodoties at ration shops, More transport facilities (A.C.Buses). Continue all the good work and additionally do something more.
But shifting the secretariat agin back to St.George's Fort is ridiculous. After all new secretariat building is constructed by the govt. money. Then why this ego? Don't go by the astrologers worrds. Take a good decision that will benefit everybody.
Most of the people voted for her not because of their affection and love towards her, but the pitiful situation is that we didn't have a choice.
I have voted in the last four elections and have seen both parties - DMK and AIADMK. The inescapable conclusion is that both are corrupt, but J Jayalalitha learnt from her big mistakes and did offer an extremely good administration in the second term. Jaya was indeed accused of corruption during her first term, but there was not a single instance of corruption during 2001 - 2006. It's obvious that she had learnt her lesson. However, her arrogance went against her (dismissal of govt employees and anti-conversion bill are two egregious instances of misgovernance), and she lost narrowly in the 2006 assembly elections (not in terms of seats, but vote share), after facing a complete rout in 2004 elections. The DMK became more and more arrogant, law and order was always a problem under their rule, and corruption and nepotism reached new heights. It's difficult to envisage a comeback for the DMK, unless Jaya commits big blunders - which seems unlikely.
It was a great verdict by the people of TN and i salute all the people who have voted for the AIADMK regime. Long Live TN.
The voters of Tamil Nadu has made the Indian democracy proud. People who thought of buying votes should lick their wounds now. If their dreams would have come true, what a dangerous precedent it would have been. The country should thanks the voters of TN for making sure that the self respect of the indian voter is intact.
It is wrong to describe the electorate's mood that resulted in their voting DMK out with an innocuous term like 'anti-incumbency.' Incumbency, is by itself, is neither a virtue nor a vice. It is 'anti-fraud-of-the-incumbents' that was responsible for the voters driving the rascals out. This message has to be delivered not just to those being cast out, but also as a warning to those coming in their place.
We should congratulate T.N People for giving a deceisve mandate. At same time it's time both AIADMK AND DMK should bury their differences work together for the Welfare of Tamil Nadu.We see rulling party and opposition party comming together in other states on various issue, but in T.N we don't see.When this will happen.
It is a fact that most of the poll pundits and even keen Political commentators have underestimated the political sagacity of the Tamil people, not just Mr.Karunanidhi. The people of TN have made themselves and the entire country proud , by engineering a path-breaking verdict against corruption and Family loot of this state. That Tamils have been pioneers in many fields is a historical truth, but what they brought about on the political turf in Tamil Nadu this time around ,is a real top of the order change ,revolution if you may call it, that could prove to be a beacon light for the people of the remaining 25 odd states. They should follow TN 's example in throwing out corrupt rulers like dirt, and this compilmented with a stringent Lokpal Bill which is being drafted by honest people, should put an end to the scourge of corruption from the face of Indian Polity.Iam a proud Tamilian now and congratulate my fellow Tamils for a job well-done. You have given Karunanidhi the much needed rest, as per his own words, whether that would be converted to a permanent retirement or not one has to wait and watch.We should hope that Ms.Jaya may well work towards that by giving a good and honest adminstration, which she is capable of.
A political battle against corruption has been silently waged by Ms.Jayalalithaa, with the help of people and won it well amazingly. It is to the credit of the people of Tamil Nadu, that they have demonstrated clearly their determination to root out corruption.
MS Jayalalitha has a big task ahead. Disbanding the corrupt colabaration/colusion between some renowned personalities in the private and public sector. She must without fear introduce young and the middle aged into her administration. The Tamils have proven that they cannot be easily corrupted by money and will accept any policy that is fair, progressive for the future of the State. Madam Jayalaitha...go down in the history as one of greats of all time.
Congrats to all the parties that won the assembly elections. But will the new elected parties to power will do good or bad remains a big question. One thing that makes me happy though is the punishing attitude of the public. This shows the awareness level among the people and are ready to punish through votes. Any party goes astray (through corruption etc)will be doomed. Eg states: Bihar, Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu Electorate is like Mike Tyson in boxing.They only deliver knockouts, no soft pedaling.
AIADMK alliance's decisive victory, especially the AIADMK's share of nearly 150 MLA's in the new house, has set at rest all the speculations of coalition Government in Tamil Nadu. The voters of Tamil Nadu, as in the past, voted only for a single party rule. However, the victory achieved by AIADMK, is mostly due to its alliance with parties like DMDK and Communists. Though these parties will not be keen to join in the new ministry, AIADMK should not lose sight of the fact that only the grand alliance put the mantle of power in the hands of AIADMK. Therefore, it should try to build consensus in all the contentious issues facing the state. The DMK debacle came mostly because of four factors: (a) 2G Spectrum Scam (b) succession wars of brothers (c) power cut and (d) and deteriorating law & order. It is true that DMK was routed completely in the poll, even DMK had to concede the main opposition party position to DMDK. But then, since the alliance has about 37% votes share (mostly DMK voters) one cannot say that DMK's s sun is set for ever in Tamil Nadu. Sun may arise under the Son, in case the ruling party fails in delivering the good governance and also an inclusive growth model. As far as DMK is concerned that this is the party's second all-time worst showing in polls. It had earlier weathered many a troubles. Faced humiliating defeats at the hands of MGR 3 times and now 3rd times in the hands of Dr.Jayalalithaa. As Karunanidhi rightly said that the people of Tamil Nadu has given 'him' complete 'rest' (not to the party). He should now allow others to take charge and spend his time in reading & writing books. Parties like the Congress, PMK, MDMK and VCK have now no other go but to humble themselves and introspect their further role in electoral politics of the state.
The DMK party should remove M Karunanidhi for his failure, from leadership position. Along with him, his family members should also be thrown out of the offices they bear. That would pave way for the rejuvanetion of the DMK party.
AIADMK won now!!! but a great loss to the people of tamil nadu. they dont have any other choice. people escaped from fox...but got into tiger!!!
Congrats to Jaylalitha and her party. i would like to emphasis on few points which i hope shall be taken care of: 1 - free education to villages children from nursery till they complete their graduation . 2 - there should be no word of minority/sc/st/back class and should be a single agenda as common. 3 - the prices should be brought down for various items such as cars/scooters/motorbikes and other regular things used by common man in this days. compare the manufacture cost and after that if about 20% more is added to the manufacturing cost and should be sold in market.. 4 - even for the houses the rates should be actual + 20% more as it can be tolerable by common man to purchase. 5 - land cost should also be brought down to actuals + 20%. 6 - encourage industrialist of Indian origin to come and put up plants thus giving employment opportunities to people. 7 - give top priority to agricultural and farmers and provide them with water for their fields. 8 - improve water system so that all the lands in country gets water for the agriculture fields. 9 - improve power generation by coming up with power plants in any form with safety precautions. 10. improve the standard living conditions of citizens. 11 stop corruption in all the government offices of any nature and system should be followed and there should be accountability. Hope the new government shall give a thought to this.
People in TN had to make a choice of a lesser evil (corrupt) among the two. Undoubtedly, they have selected Jayaram Jayalalitha over Karunanidhi this time. Neither AIDMK nor DMK can claim to be completely clean and their records also show that. Ghost of 2G spectrum undoubtedly has hurt both the DMK as well as Congress and their combined tally is 30 odd seats. It will be interesting to see if Jayalalitha indulges in vindictive politics and utilises her position to put Karunanidhi and his family members in dock. Nevertheless, corruption was not the only factor, as this see-saw in TN is a regular feature where anti-incumbency factor plays a major role. Anyways, now Jayalalitha has to perform on her promises to make sure a repeat in the next general elections. At the same time, DMK would introspect and may reverse the situation completely in 2014 general elections.
But how do they manage to create anti-incumbency wave each time? Both JJ and MK have been doing this. Why can't they retain the wave in their favour?
The corruption, arrogance and power-crazy DMK has done its own politicide. Crumbled and destroyed by the people of TN, this party started by humble , honest and honourable Anna, has dug its own grave. The hope for the TN people is that the AIADMK party with other opportunist parties in their team would not repeat the mistakes and end up in its own grave.
Victory not only lies in counting of votes, it also counts winning the heart of people in Tamil Nadu. Instead pointing each others mistake, in the new regime hoping to see new changes takes place in Tamil Nadu, better public sanitation system, infrastructure, addressing farmers issue, creating modern facilities to the rural population, better transport system, security, addressing Tamil's issue in Sri Lanka would heal numerous wounded hearts in Tamil Nadu, better education system in the public school, would prove the real victory and will set a victory on its own in the next assembly elections. We need social development minded people in the cabinet.
Congratulations to Jayalalitha and AIADMK . People of Tamil Nadu has given their verdict in favour of Jayalalitha hoping for a revoultionary change in the style of administration, policies and a corruption free government.Though I am not in politics and I have lived in Chennai from my college days and I have seen the dirty politics of number of regional parties.In the process Congress due to lack of leadership after the death of Kamaraj was reduced to a minor party. and they survived only aligning themselves by joining either DMK or AIADMK during elections.A lot of internal fights and groupism with in the party almost killed the party.There are more leaders than followers.No one is bothered to build the Party at the grassroot level.Even leaders like Chidambaram never bothered about building the Party.They were only interested in protecting their positions or seeking higher positions.I have an appeal to Jayalalitha. God and circumstances played well for her in this election. She should have a good team in her cabinet and also have a small group of experts to advise her in the matters of State Finance, Budgetting, Infrastructure development, Higher education, Village developments, Creation of Jobs in Rural areas, Power, Pollution, Health Scheme for Lower income group,Etc. A huge responsibility on her shoulders.If Under employed and unemployed are provided with useful job opprtunities both in ruralsector and Urban sector, it will improve the economy and crime and standard of living of the poor people.I wish her all success.It is a huge responsibility .
Its quite surprising that corruption has been a significant factor in the elections in taminadu 2011, it was anticipated the the BJP party would fall into states political representation , but havent done so , the BJP would have to its path of activity ,as a national party its the only alternative to the Congress. The corrupt practices of the political heavy weights will be weeded out with the present lok pal bill which should be passed as also leaders like Anna Hazare and company should strive to pass these bills , as we have peoples committees in vietnam ,hongkong,china etc protecting the citizens from high handedness and corruption.
Peoples power has been shown against money and muscle. However still TN is in 'either-or' state with no third alternative. I hope the AIADMK government starts realizing that its totally a different ball game, we have ever vigilant media, questioning citizens who realize that their responsibility does not stop at the polling booth but continues after that. I wish the people get good governance delivered, strong implementation of law and order, better infrastructure development and proper functioning of all state government services (sans bribery) etc. Going into family corruption and political vendetta is all no match to win peoples heart when compared to deliverable governance. I strongly wish we step forward into new era.
Mr Azad blamed the 'incumbancy-factor' for the defeat of DMK-Congress coalition. He could have not erred more. The principle factor for the defeat is corruption. The electronic media played a major part in keeping the focus on the corruption in Centre and State which led to the people overthrowing the DMK. One peice of request to Ms Jayalalitha, focus on delivering the promises and don't waste time and money in witch hunting.
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