Snakes and Leaders

As I write, the serpent planets Rahu and Ketu are shifting houses. Though shadows of Earth and Moon, their movement, which is only in the reverse unlike other grahas, is of great astrological importance, like all others. In a State where religion and rationalism merge, Jan 8 is virtually deemed D-day, decision day, deliverance day, and even a dreadful day, by many. But, our concern is politicos who can either heal or seal our fate. So, let’s shadow the snakes and leaders:

The Grand Old Man of TN politics, Kalaignar K, 92, is craving a sixth shot at Secretariat. 5-time CM is perhaps his only commonality with arch rival J, a shared-record he wants to make his own. In pursuit of this pet personal project, he appears to have taken refuge in Sri Ramanuja, the Vaishnavaite saint, or acharya, if you like it. Sri Ramanuja is revered as an avatar of Adisesha, the seven-headed or hooded serpent seat, sofa or umbrella as the case or rather posture may be, of Lord Narayana. The photo op with the pious of TTD, when they met him for Telugu rights of his surprise serial on Sri Ramanuja, is a mellowed message. Looks, K has done his rational homework well.

J’s penchant for astrology is no secret. A religious Brahmin with many permanent human fixtures sprawled at her feet along with their self-respect, her success is actually a spoof on all the much trumpeted Dravidian ideals. In the race for a sixth stint, she faces an uphill task as an incumbent, particularly after the Chennai floods that is said to have plunged her poll prospects. But more than hustings, it is the Supreme Court where her fate faces the first test. As it happens, just precisely at the day and time of the celestial serpents’ shift, the apex court has taken up her disproportionate assets case and put it up for daily hearing from Feb 2. A leader at the top rung of the political ladder now, only time or probably Rahu and Ketu can tell if she will stay put or slip and slide!

Stalin has been in his dad’s shade for too long. The most visible leader in TN in the last few months, he has promptly followed his father’s footsteps in the direction of Sri Ramanuja, even posing with the latter’s bust at Thirukkoshtiyur temple, the site from which the religious reformer proclaimed his progressive ideals. Will Stalin, in case of DMK win, emerge from the shadows as CM candidate or defer to his father’s itch? His family who seem in daily touch with the planets would know better!

Vijayakanth, like J, makes no bones about his beliefs and specifically, his intent to talk of poll partnerships only after Jan 8! That he is now in much demand from across political divides, barring the AIADMK, is itself an ‘auspicious’ start for him. Those after him already found him as slippery as a snake, a tendency that will only aggravate post-peyarchi. The celebrated ‘vice’ Captain is likely to spell, or rather, spit out his strategy only after due consultations … with astrologers. Wonder what the R-K chaya combo has in store for him, and by extension, spouse and her household. One may get slapped for saying that in his presence.

Anbumani, unlike Stalin, has the blessing of his Dr dad who has consistently nursed the Dr son’s CM ambition. Maybe, Ramadoss knows his kid would never make it. The PMK is a classic example of many right causes being taken up by wrong party and persons. Rooted in raw rowdyism and caste politics, Anbumani, the sole survivor of the opposition rout in the LS polls, is attempting an image makeover by projecting himself as the only alternative to DMK and AIADMK. Ultimately, PMK’s notorious history and habit will catch up and it will all be a matter of negotiation. If the snakes pull him down the imaginary ladder to Ft St George, good. But even if his party were to get into a some position of legislative strength, it is the people of the State who have to check their horoscopes for the snakes’ sting.

I have forgotten some. Aah, yes, BJP. And Cong for whom it looks like Rahu(l) kaalam. The two national parties are only shadows like R & K. Only not as potent in TN. The planets, like the potential allies here, would like to deal with the High Command in the Capital rather! And there is this funny thing called People’s Welfare Front, an assortment that will scatter once the poll bugle is sounded. Each leader can extract a seat at best, subject to their squares.

But humans apart, Rahu and Ketu have tellingly impacted a raasi itself: Rishabam. The raging bull, thanks to persistent bullying by politicos of all parties collectively riding it, will now run amok among frenzied crowds, presently on a new high through cultural steroids. Unless, the SC tames Jallikattu again. In which case too a lot of dust will get kicked up.

Happy Pongal.

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