Chennai: Though the political wheel of Tamilnadu always revolved around the AIADMK and the DMK (and the DMDK too, to an extent, during the last two Assembly elections), the race is incomplete without other players, who, despite having their own identities, are primarily known for forging alliances with one of the above parties.
Some of these parties are (eternal) fence-sitters and would take a stand- on which side to go- just before an election. Interestingly, and importantly, regardless of their shortcomings in the State, they have enjoyed power in the Centre.
BJP
Macho man of Indian politics, BJP is still a growing baby in Tamilnadu. The central leadership, taking a serious note of this, has now shifted its focus towards the southern State and all efforts are being made to strengthen the party. But there is still a long way to go to project itself as an alternative to the Dravidian parties. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections will play a key role in deciding the future of the BJP here.
CONGRESS
Grand old party of India is like a grand old man in Tamilnadu- relishing the past but unable to make any big impact in present. Notorious for piggybacking on either the DMK or the AIADMK, Congress is also popular for its factions led by senior leaders. Will Congress president Rahul Gandhi be able to resurrect the party apparatus here with just months left for Parliament polls?
PMK
Content is good, but package isn’t is the case of the Pattali Makkal Katchi. Still facing criticism for its caste-based politics, the Vanniyar-dominated party is now playing the role of an effective opposition in Tamilnadu, by taking on the rulers with valid points and statistics. But Anbumani Ramadoss has to work really hard if he is serious about coming to the top post of Tamilnadu.
MDMK
When Vaiko broke away from the DMK in the 1990s, he was viewed as the next big thing in Tamilnadu politics. But MDMK eventually turned out to be one more party in the State’s political arena and Vaiko was accused of taking wrong decisions. With many seniors leaving the party and cadres looking for other options, MDMK’s fate is still in the hands of its supremo. The strong orator will have to prove himself as a sharp leader too.
VCK
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal tried to position themselves as Viduthalai Puligal and Thirumavalavan was compared with Prabhakaran. The target was to ‘free Dalits from the domination of the upper castes’. But the fizz was lost somewhere during the journey and VCK too was left with no other option than to ally with either the AIADMK or the DMK.
CPI & CPI(M)
Comrades, who operate on the basic ideology of liberating the oppressed from the clutches of the mighty, ironically ended up waiting either for the AIADMK or the DMK bus, for the sake of just few seats. Facing huge challenges even in their strongholds in West Bengal and Kerala, the Left parties are in difficult times in Tamilnadu. They may not believe in it, but only a miracle can safeguard their interests here.