Dominated by Dravidian politics, will Tamil Nadu accept Annamalai as new strike force?

By NS Venkataraman*
The view appears to have gone strong in some circles that just after a period of less than 24 months of entering Tamil Nadu politics and becoming the President of Tamil Nadu BJP and with no prior political experience, Annamalai has become a “strike force” in Tamil Nadu politics. Indeed, many feel, he may outshine many experienced politicians in Tamil Nadu, including those in the opposition and the Tamil Nadu BJP.
Annamalai has entered politics when some sections in the state seem to have become tired of Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu, which is ruling the state for 60 years now, marked by controversies, including high level corruption, increasing number of people, including children, getting addicted to liquor, and caste based politics. People have been voting for one Dravidian party or the other, since they have no other alternate party to bank upon.
Poor people have been voting for any one of the Dravidian parties based on what have been dubbed as freebies, loud promises and efforts to lure voters in every possible way at the time of elections. The view has gone strong: gone are the days when great political stalwarts such as Kamaraj, who exhibited very high personal and political standards, ruled the state competently. Youth in the state often wonder whether such high political scruples would be possible for any politician today, Annamalai included.

Unique attributes?

Annamalai's supporters claim he has some unique attributes, which is not to be seen in any other politician in Tamil Nadu. He is well educated with an engineering degree and management qualification from a reputed institution. He entered the all-India cadre of IPS by passing competitive exam and served as a senior police officer in Karnataka with an impeccable record.
He speaks knowledgeably not only on politics but on variety of other such as administrative ethos, philosophy and history. Indeed, his critical observations convince, as he tries to back them up with informative data. He also uses strong language against corruption. In such conditions, may appear keen to know what Annamalai thinks about different issues.
However, he has major constraints: Both print and visual media in the state appear to be soft and uncritical towards ruling party for whatever reasons. He has therefore a problem in reaching his message to the public. Hence, he is heavily dependent on social media.
In every likelihood, the politicians belonging to the ruling party and allies will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that Annamalai does not gain Annamalai gain popularity. Allegations would be made to spoil his image. It remains to be seen how he faces this challenge.
Also, Annamalai would have to face similar challenges from opposite parties and from within the BJP -- those who have tried to hold the party's banner high so far in Tamil Nadu.

At cross roads

Indeed, Annamalai at cross roads. He may be gaining popularity, but it is too early to guess whether such popularity would be sustained and converted into votes. People may take a close look at his speeches and programmes, but will he continue to keep up with high standards in a consistent manner?
There is apprehension among his supporters that Annamalai would fall apart due to the high pressure campaign against him that is bound to be launched by the ruling as well as opposite party leaders. Would people stand by him in what he considers is his unbending fighter against corruption and negative politics?
---
Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

Comments

Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan raises concerns over Jharkhand Adivasis' plight in Assam, BJP policies

By Our Representative The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan (Save Democracy Campaign) has issued a pressing call to protect Adivasi rights in Jharkhand, highlighting serious concerns over the treatment of Jharkhandi Adivasis in Assam. During a press conference in Ranchi on November 9, representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh criticized the current approach of BJP-led governments in these states, arguing it has exacerbated Adivasi struggles for rights, land, and cultural preservation.

Promoting love or instilling hate and fear: Why is RSS seeking a meeting with Rahul Gandhi?

By Ram Puniyani* India's anti-colonial struggle was marked by a diverse range of social movements, one of the most significant being Hindu-Muslim unity and the emergence of a unified Indian identity among people of all religions. The nationalist, anti-colonial movement championed this unity, best embodied by Mahatma Gandhi, who ultimately gave his life for this cause. Gandhi once wrote, “The union that we want is not a patched-up thing but a union of hearts... Swaraj (self-rule) for India must be an impossible dream without an indissoluble union between the Hindus and Muslims of India. It must not be a mere truce... It must be a partnership between equals, each respecting the religion of the other.”

Right-arm fast bowler who helped West Indies shape arguably greatest Test team in cricket history

By Harsh Thakor* Malcolm Marshall redefined what it meant to be a right-arm fast bowler, challenging the traditional laws of biomechanics with his unique skill. As we remember his 25th death anniversary on November 4th, we reflect on the legacy he left behind after his untimely death from colon cancer. For a significant part of his career, Marshall was considered one of the fastest and most formidable bowlers in the world, helping to shape the West Indies into arguably the greatest Test team in cricket history.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual.

Andhra team joins Gandhians to protest against 'bulldozer action' in Varanasi

By Rosamma Thomas* November 1 marked the 52nd day of the 100-day relay fast at the satyagraha site of Rajghat in Varanasi, seeking the restoration of the 12 acres of land to the Sarva Seva Sangh, the Gandhian organization that was evicted from the banks of the river. Twelve buildings were demolished as the site was abruptly taken over by the government after “bulldozer” action in August 2023, even as the matter was pending in court.

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad* The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

Will Left victory in Sri Lanka deliver economic sovereignty plan, go beyond 'tired' IMF agenda?

By Atul Chandra, Vijay Prashad* On September 22, 2024, the Sri Lankan election authority announced that Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election. Dissanayake, who has been the leader of the left-wing JVP since 2014, defeated 37 other candidates, including the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP) and his closest challenger Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Green Revolution’s reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides contributing to Punjab's health crisis

By Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh* Punjab was once synonymous with robust health, particularly in its rural areas, where farmers were known for their strength and vitality. However, in recent years, reports from these villages tell a different story, with rising cases of serious health issues, including cancer. What led to this decline? The answer lies largely in the erosion of good nutrition, once a hallmark of Punjabi village life. The health of a population is closely tied to its nutrition, and Punjab's reputation as a provider of high-quality nutrition has suffered greatly. The loss of biodiversity in agriculture has led to a decrease in the variety and quality of crops, resulting in poorer nutrition. Pulses, a key source of protein, have seen a steep decline in cultivation due to the disruption of traditional farming practices by the Green Revolution. This has had a detrimental effect on both soil and human health. Although pulses are still available in the market, they are exp

Tributes paid to pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, who 'dodged' police for 60 yrs

By Harsh Thakor* Jagjit Singh Sohal, known as Comrade Sharma, a pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, passed away on October 20 at the age of 96. Committed to the Naxalite cause and a prominent Maoist leader, Sohal, who succeeded Charu Majumdar, played hide and seek with the police for almost six decades. He was cremated in Patiala.

Search This Blog