The elevation of M.K. Stalin as the working president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has been long overdue (“Stalin at the helm”, Jan.5). It cannot be said with conviction that had Mr. Stalin been elevated to this position prior to the Tamil Nadu Assembly election last year, it would have helped the party win the election. However, neither can that be ruled out, for the party seems to have lost a good opportunity, largely perhaps due to this reason.
Mr. Stalin’s rise assumes greater prominence given that it comes a few days after V.K. Sasikala taking charge as the general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. With Stalin versus Sasikala, the battle lines have been drawn in Tamil Nadu politics. An imminent change in the political landscape in the State appears to be on the cards.
R. Sivakumar,
Chennai
The elevation of Mr. Stalin as working president of the DMK was expected as parties in India often function like private companies with succession within families almost a constant. I really hope the DMK does not go the Samajwadi Party way.
N. Nagarajan,
Secunderabad
The people of Tamil Nadu were hoping for some new generation leaders. However, with Mr. Stalin’s and Ms. Sasikala’s elevation, it looks like that is not possible any time in the near future. But Mr. Stalin has the advantage of political experience over Ms. Sasikala who has never been at the forefront of politics. This will be a golden opportunity for the DMK to rise again under his leadership.
Fazeen Rasheed A.K.,
Kozhikode
