The emergence of yet another group within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Amma), owing allegiance to the sidelined deputy general secretary, T.T. V. Dhinakaran, is not likely to rock the government headed by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, at least for the time being.
Until now, 14 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and four Members of Parliament (MPs) have publicly identified themselves with Mr. Dhinakaran, who returned to Chennai last week on bail after being lodged in the Tihar jail for over a month. As of now, the AIADMK (Amma) is maintaining that it has the support of 122 MLAs (excluding the Assembly Speaker) and 37 MPs. What has not gone unnoticed among observers is that the Chief Minister has the strong backing of four seniors — M. Thambi Durai, K.A. Sengottaiyan, P. Thangamani and S.P. Velumani — all hailing from western districts and belonging to the Vellala Gounders, a dominant caste known for enterprise and resourcefulness. Even though Mr. Thambi Durai represents Karur in the Lok Sabha, his native place comes under Krishnagiri district. The contention in certain circles of government is that unless Mr. Dhinakaran is able to break the alliance among the five senior leaders of the party, he will not be able to make much headway in bringing the party and the government under his fold. Besides, he may not attempt to rock the AIADMK (Amma) boat immediately. The fact that his aunt and jailed party general secretary V.K. Sasikala advised him to go slow on his political activities for the next 60 days lends further credence to this.
Asked whether the alliance among the party seniors may come in the way of Mr. Dhinakaran’s political calculations, Andipatti MLA Thangatamilselvan says, “Mr. Dhinakaran has been taking only measured steps politically. His priority is to ensure the reunion of the two groups (AIADMK Amma and PTA) and the continuance of the government. He is not angling for the post of Chief Minister.”
“As far as the ruling party is concerned, caste is a major consideration at the time of distribution of tickets for Parliamentary and Assembly polls and selection of Ministers. But it does not become the permanent binding force,” says a source in the Edappadi camp.
