The AIADMK, which emerged as the third largest party in Lok Sabha under Jayalalithaa, is now battling the perception of being the “B” team of the ruling BJP at the Centre.
This is in contrast to the situation that prevailed during the lifetime of Jayalalithaa, who had enjoyed the image of being a loner. If she had believed that an aggressive posturing was required to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu, she would not hesitate to do it. This was borne out by the way she opposed the introduction of GST, the National Food Security Act, the NEET and the Centre’s inaction in the Cauvery dispute.
G. Ramakrishnan, secretary of the State unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), says that the AIADMK has become weak politically. Besides, making use of its condition, the BJP is seeking to gain a foothold here. “What is more disturbing is the approach that the AIADMK is taking in recent months,” he adds.
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However, R. Vaithilingam, deputy coordinator, AIADMK, dismisses the argument. He says, “We are doing everything to protect the interests of the State. We have not taken any step [in the last one year] that goes against the State.”
As for the government’s stand on the NEET, he explains, “we are making efforts in such a way to keep our student community well equipped, just like students of other States.”
As for the contention that the State government has enabled the RSS to be visible these days, the MP says that no government could, in a democracy, suppress any organisation from carrying out its activities so long as it adheres to the Constitution. The RSS had held events publicly even when DMK president M. Karunanidhi was Chief Minister.
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Is the “concept of collective leadership” with O. Panneerselvam and Edappadi K. Palaniswami as coordinator and co-coordinator workable in the AIADMK, when the party has the tradition of having functioned under the command of a single leader? K. P. Munusamy, former Minister and another deputy coordinator of the party, calls it “inevitable” under the present circumstances and hopes that it is doable too.
“When the leaders become far sighted and take into account the interests of the party, workers and the people of the State, they will be able to function in an amicable way,” he adds.