After the humongous success of BJP in the 2019 polls, the verdict of the Vellore parliamentary constituency, was keenly watched by political observers. Elections for the Vellore constituency was countermanded by the Election Commission following seizure of 11.48 crores allegedly belonging to DMK candidate Kathir Anand.
DMK stalwart Duraimurugan’s son Kathir Anand, scraped through with a slender margin of a little over than 8000 votes. Though it is indeed a victory, this is a warning sign for the DMK, which turned the Hindutva wave across the country and swept the state along with Pondicherry in the 2019 general elections. DMK leader MK.Stalin was able to stitch together a formidable alliance with Congress and other parties and navigated the state against a national trend, decisively.
After a decisive defeat in the lok sabha polls, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy gave a tough competition to the DMK combine, which is evident from the votes garnered by ADMK candidate AC.Shanmugam.
After the demise of DMK leader M.Karunanidhi, the DMK party is going through a crucial phase in its history. Due to the success of right wing and fascist forces across the country, the very idea of Dravidianism is under challenge now. Hindutva forces are striking at the root of the Dravidian politics and with their overwhelming success in the 2019 polls, they view Tamil Nadu as a sore thumb as it withstood their onslaught.
Senior journalist RK.Radhakrishnan, while commenting on today’s result said, “Victory margin should be a cause of worry for the DMK. Going by the 2019 verdict, DMK should have won Vellore constituency by more than a lakh votes. The thin victory margin signals a shift in people’s faith in DMK” said Radhakrishnan. He further added, “the result also shows that CM Edappadi Palanisamy is gaining ground not only in Vellore, but across Tamil Nadu”.
As Radhakrishnan points out, the victory margin is a cause of concern in respect of DMK. With Edappadi Palanisamy, ascertaining himself as a leader and gaining acceptance across Tamil Nadu, the 2021 assembly polls is not going to be a cake walk for the DMK. The victory margin of DMK’s Kathir Anand is just 8141. Seeman led Nam Tamilar Katchi has polled 26,995 votes which is more than double the victory margin should send alarm bells to the DMK. Stalin should also not forget that DMK’s victory margin of 8141 could be achieved in the absence of TTV Dinakaran’s AMMK and Kamal Hassan’s MNM. Considering their not so poor performance in the May 2019 polls, had they contested and polled a few thousand votes, DMK would have lost the Vellore Lok Sabha constituency to ADMK without an iota of doubt.
Journalist Lakshmi Subramanian echoed the same thoughts. She too pointed out about the thin victory margin. She said “With a total of 1553 booths, if you divide the victory margin it would be a little over 5 per booth which is not at all a good sign for the DMK. Edappadi Palanisamy is growing stronger every day and he would not hesitate to ditch BJP and face the 2021 polls, if he decides it as a liability”
About a fortnight ago, popular Tamil bi-weekly Junior Vikatan did a cover story terming the party DMK as a firm being controlled by the trio Durga Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin and Sabareesan. Though Durga Stalin slapped a defamation notice on Vikatan group claiming a damage of 10 crores, party insiders say, most of the information that appeared in the Vikatan article are true.
No one can deny that Vellakovil Swaminathan, who was heading DMK’s youth wing was forced to resign to anoint Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi in his place. Following his anointment, DMK’s youth wing has assumed curious significance, with MK. Stalin himself heading a party secretaries’ meeting in “Anbagam”, DMK youth wing headquarters instead of party headquarters Arivalayam. As pointed out in the vikatan article, DMK MP and Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi was conspicuously absent in the campaign for Vellore.
Party insiders also point out another instance. The prestigious Hindu group, brought out a book on DMK stalwart Karunanidhi titled “Oru Manithan Oru Iyakkam”. The book release function was to be held on 6th of August and Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi was to receive the first copy. But, conspicuously Kanimozhi, who revers her father was absent from the function and Lok Sabha debate on Kashmir was cited as the reason, though it was TR.Balu, who spoke on behalf of DMK on the day.
The Hindu group which has never brought out any book for any leader in its 130 years history chose to glorify Karunanidhi with a book and the DMK President Stalin who should at least have replaced Kanimozhi with himself, instead chose to send a second rung leader RS.Bharathy to the event.
The Hindu group did not expect such a cold reception from the DMK leadership and murmurs could be heard inside the organization that the book should not have been brought out at all.
Earlier, DMK has filed a defamation suit for 100 crores against the Vikatan group for a story linking DMK to lottery baron Martin. This was followed by a defamation notice by Durga Stalin for 10 crores for another story. By filing such cases, Stalin has antagonized a reputed media group which sources say, is not willing for a compromise. Likewise, cold-shouldering a reputed media group like The Hindu, doesn’t augur well for a leader like MK.Stalin who is dreaming to be the Chief Minister in a couple of years.
Today, MK.Stalin is the only active leader in the country, who suffered the dark days of the Emergency. There is an overwhelming responsibility on the shoulders of Stalin to emerge as a national leader and as an alternate to fascist forces. Time requires MK.Stalin to emerge as a statesman and become a rallying point for anti-fascist forces. But, party insiders feel, MK.Stalin is very reluctant to take up such a responsibility but keen on promoting his son.
For the young voters in the age group of 18-30, the legacy of DMK or Dravidian politics doesn’t matter. In their eyes, they only see a leader who is thrusting his son on them forcibly as a leader. They cannot see the dangers of fascist forces but see only dynastic politics. They do not see DMK as an alternate to either AIADMK or BJP but view DMK as a party of heirlooms.
The RSS and fascist forces are at our doorsteps and the fight should not only be in electoral field but also at the ideological level. The fight against fascism is going to be long and hard and it is up to Stalin to make the people trust him to take the fight forward.
The Vellore election result is a warning sign and it is up to Stalin not to repeat the mistakes and carry on the mantle of Kalaignar Karunanidhi.
Chidamparam news write in article Tamil expected
Savukku Sankar Sir,
Its indeed a valid point to say that DMK is losing its fame on Elections. Problem in Central Election was , ADMK was focusing most on attaining majority from those 23 MLA constituencies (where TTV was another distraction for them from ADMK itself) and MK.Statin focused and believed they can make clean sweep on both MLA and MP Elections which never happened. Naturally one who has focus will win over others. Once ADMK took control of majority and stabilized their government , They had their focus on Vellore and they showed nothing is wrong from them to give a scare. TN State election is still around two years away and Time will tell where it takes for DMK or ADMK to take it over. Remember MK. Stalin has given many promises in Election which he may not be able to fulfill in next 2 years. With Congress in Centre has completely dismantled with different leaders providing different versions on their definitions and meanings on Article 370 removal in Kashmir (Eg. Jairam Ramesh , Shashi Tharoor and Palaniappan Chidambram (Ex Minister, From Congress) said about article 370 scrap in Kashmir (mentioned as he has no concerns in scrapping ,but the way it was done , has concerns) refers congress ( expected to be in association with DMK for state election too) is not ready to regroup and take on BJP even in 2024 which is roughly 4.5 yrs further.
Considering above factors, It might be 51-49 in 2021 where allies decide the winner (irrespective of whether its DMK or ADMK). Political Observers can or may provide multiple versions or comments on how things move but its purely people’s decision to vote for whom and who should rule them.
I know its a shock for you that BJP is gaining almost 80% of India and you can say TN has been different and they never give even a single seat to BJP. With BJP sitting with absolute majority (on both Lok and Rajya sabha) , its practical that , they don’t need Tamilnadu people ‘s support. This is more like ,they focus on growth of north eastern and northern states who voted for them and We will be behind them in next 5 years.
If you need infrastructure development in Tamilnadu, we need funding. If you need funding, you need to get it from BJP Government. If you dont want money and Infrastructure development , you can say ,we are proud of the way we responded. I don’t see any practicality in this to say my dad was a billionaire where I beg for food.
Please write some articles which carry immediate attention to 39 Tamilnadu MP’s and can be solved them at the earliest. If I remember correctly , Junior Vikatan also quoted as BJP targets 5 MP’s of DMK ( based on their history in scams). If you haven’t done anything wrong, you dont need to worry much.
sankar sir,
you should stand aside of DMK always, because that is the only party to keep alive the thoughts of ambedkhar, thanthani periyar, anna and kalaignar
Venkatraman Sir,
Few questions. You mentioned about Ambedkar, who was against implementing Article 370 in Kashmir , Unfortunately DMK. Thantai periyar talks about God haters (unfortunately , DMK themselves have shown themselves as believers of God). I would suggest everything is changing including DMK’s policies on God.
Venkatraman sir,
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar requested for Quota system for 50 years. We are already 73 years gone up. We still say many haven’t got opportunities still. Where is the problem sir ?
Thanthai Periyar told whoever believe or pray god is “KATTUMIRANDI”. Even People who said we are following Periyar Principles (Primarily DMK) have been visiting temples (Eg. Athivarathar visit by Rajathi Ammal , Most DMK Leaders and Mrs.Durga Stalin visiting Kasi (varanasi) to complete all last traits to his father-In-Law Kalaingar.
“The Hindu group which has never brought out any book for any leader in its 130 years history ” ????
Wake up Savukku
Recently TamilHindu came out with book on Anna …
https://www.hindutamil.in/news/literature/158783-.html
இந்த கட்டுரை மூலமாக சவுக்கு ஸ்டாலினுக்கு கவலையுடன் அறிவுரை கூறுகிறது. அதாவது இந்து, விகடன் போன்ற பத்திரிகைகளுடன் திமுக இணக்கமாக இருக்க வேண்டும். குடும்ப அரசியல் வெளிப்படையாக தெரியும்படி இல்லாமல் பார்த்து கொள்ள வேண்டும். இல்லை என்றால் இனிவரும் தமிழக சட்டமன்ற தேர்தலில் எடப்பாடி அதிமுகவை எதிர்த்து வெற்றி பெறுவது எளிதாக இருக்காது என்று சொல்லி கவலைப்படுகிறது. ஆனால் நாம் தமிழர் கட்சி இந்த வேலூர் தேர்தலில் எதிர்பார்க்கப்பட்ட படி ஒரு லட்சம் வாக்கு பெறாமல் ஏற்கனவே பெற்ற சராசரி வாக்கை விட குறைந்த அளவு பெற்றதை பற்றிய ஆதங்கம் இல்லை. திமுக. , அதிமுக இந்த இரண்டில் எது வந்தாலும் விளைவுகள் ஒன்று தான். திமுகவின் ஆட்சியில் ஜாபர் சேட் மூலமாக வாங்கிய அடி மறந்து விட்டதா?. ஜனநாயகம் பற்றிய கவலை திமுகவுக்கு உண்மையில் இருப்பது போல் எழுதுவது நியாயமா?. திமுகவின் ஆட்சி இனிமேல் வந்தால் மாவட்டம் தோறும் ரெளடியிசம் தலைவிரித்து ஆடும். இரண்டாம் கட்ட தலைவர்களின் வாரிசுகள் வந்து விட்டார்கள். இதற்கு எடப்பாடி எவ்வளவோ மேல். இந்த நிலையில் இருக்கும் போது மாற்றம் செய்ய வேண்டும் என்றால் அது சீமான் ஒருவரால் மட்டுமே முடியும். அவரது தளராத ,உறுதியான தெளிவான சித்தாந்த அரசியல் மட்டுமே அவசியம் தேவை. இல்லை என்றால் இங்கே ஆப்பிரிக்க நாடுகளில் உள்ள காட்டாட்ச்சி தான் இருக்கும்.
Savukku Shankar,
Your Article does not articulate the loss of DMK, Instead states the victory mode. In the past, DMK depended on campaign from Kushbu and now on Udhayanidhi Stalin. Now is it is a victory for DMK with 8141 votes. With the recent verdict given by people in April, this is certainly not a clear victory for DMK . ADMK has emerged stronger and under no circumstances, STalin or DMK will win a complete majority in Assembly Elections.
Also, in R K Nagar elections, if you would recapitulate, where did the DMK votes gone despite the facts the Communist became an alliance during the RK Nagar By poll and RK Nagar is more of Communist Votes. Dinakaran has only split the ADMK votes and not DMK votes. If the money has played massive role, certainly it would be a surging factor for ADMK.
In this election, MNM, AMMK has not contested. Had this party contested , it would have been a challenge for DMK.
DMK is losing and newer generation may not accept. All tainted MPs have been re elected. Kanimozhi, Dayanidhi Maran, T R Balu, A Raja, Jagathratshakan, Pachaimuthu alias Pari Venthar who have faced or still pending and people have given mandate due to anti-ruling votes. That does not mean DMK or its MPs are clean or pure. These people do not address any issues of Tamilnadu instead build their own brand by talking or countering their talk.
Be Neutral and write articles addressing people problems and their voting decision making process.
Valid article..if this continues probabaly the people of tn would be the sufferers
Vikatan apologised for article about Martin after DMK sent the notice stating they are going to file defamation case . If Vikatan is a reputed media why they dint stood by their story ? Just for publicity they keep on writing stories and when the victim issues notice they are backing out . A Media house should not come up with article if they are not confident . This cant be considered as reputed media . Agree Victory margin is very thing and it should worry DMK , on the other hand DMK members recognize it in a positive way , it will keep DMK active if the margin was huge they would be complacent and lose the upcoming polls . In addition to EPS gaining ground there are other factors in play , people might have thought BJP is ruling so let us vote for ADMK so that our MP will belong to ruling party and he might also become minister this would have boosted Shanmugams vote margin .
//Stalin has antagonized a reputed media group which sources say, is not willing for a compromise. //
Vikatan apologised for article about Martin after DMK sent the notice stating they are going to file defamation case . If Vikatan is a reputed media why they dint stood by their story ? Just for publicity they keep on writing stories and when the victim issues notice they are backing out . A Media house should not come up with article if they are not confident . This cant be considered as reputed media . Agree Victory margin is very thing and it should worry DMK , on the other hand DMK members recognize it in a positive way , it will keep DMK active if the margin was huge they would be complacent and lose the upcoming polls . In addition to EPS gaining ground there are other factors in play , people might have thought BJP is ruling so let us vote for ADMK so that our MP will belong to ruling party and he might also become minister this would have boosted Shanmugams vote margin .
Well analyzed Duraimurugan should be checked
Hitted the nail on its head
Sir super article absulutely true