With Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa reciprocating Leader of Opposition and DMK scion M.K. Stalin’s goodwill gesture in recent times, there is a newfound desire that this bonhomie should last in the larger political interest.
But is this really the beginning of a friendly, decent political culture in Tamil Nadu? Or is it just that the elections are over but the image makeover of leaders isn’t?
Ever since the March 1989 pandemonium in the State Assembly, a bitter and acrimonious rivalry has prevailed between the AIADMK and the DMK that had alternatively ruled the State. With Chief Minister Jayalalithaa sworn in for a sixth time — importantly, for a second term in succession — the political culture seems to have taken a curious yet courteous turn.
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Everyone knew about Mr. Stalin’s image makeover. It was evident in his rebranding in an effort to appeal to the younger generation whom the DMK believed could be crucial in a closely fought election.
Politically seasoned and shrewd — matched only by her bête noir DMK president M. Karunanidhi — AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, perhaps, had planned it better.
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Ahead of the elections, she carefully worked on the pro-poor theme to win over the rural voters and successfully won a second term in succession. Despite the criticism of her being authoritarian, she has also shown enough glimpses of her humility — like her mentorMGR who was the darling of the masses.
Video on social media
A video going viral on social media shows her promising something to an aged woman on the roadside while campaigning and even allowing the woman to touch her cheeks. In the later part of the video, she gets down from her vehicle to pose with an old woman and promises to send the photographs to her. Now, she has charmed even the Opposition. While she was critical of DMK president M. Karunanidhi at all her campaign meetings, she was happy that Mr. Stalin attended her swearing-in ceremony. On the controversy over his seating, she said he was given a seat in the MLAs block as per protocol.
On his part, Mr. Stalin wished her the best on his Twitter page. The social media just could not believe it. It reacted with satire and surprise.
Will this last? “It is too early. This time, the Opposition is also large and can’t be brushed aside. Besides, Ms. Jayalalithaa has been at the receiving end for the way the Opposition MLAs are treated in the Assembly,” says former IAS officer M.G. Devasahayam. “Civility is welcome. Will it last for five years? If it does, it is good for Tamil Nadu,” he concludes.
Civility is welcome. Will it last for five years? If it does, it is good for TN, says former IAS officer