Prince in the waiting, Udhayanidhi Stalin’s coronation happened on 14th December, 2022, just a day ahead of the birth of inauspicious Tamil month Margazhi which is avoided by most superstitious non-Brahmins. Stalin family’s superstition is not a secret.
After consulting more than a dozen astrologers, the date and time was chosen. Sycophancy has reached a nadir in the DMK. This author has been closely tracking the developments in the family through highly placed sources and is privy to a lot of information.
First; the Dravidian Son In Law is not happy. To his credit, Sabareesan played a huge role in the success of DMK in 2021. In fact he played a pivotal role. He took care of the funds; IT wing, alliance talks, candidate selection; and what not. He was the bridge between the leader and Prasanth Kishore, whom the DMK had hired as a strategist.
A proud Sabareesan, feeling pleased about the results of his hard work.
He is a bitter man now. His powers have drastically reduced the moment Udhayanidhi Stalin pronounced the words “Udhayanidhi Stalin ennum naan”.
Those who are not aware of the behind the screen functioning of the government, should know that a well oiled machine is functioning behind the screens, in a party and a government. This is more when the party is family controlled. Wards, siblings, distant relatives to mere acquaintances will pull enormous clout. There will be wheeler-dealers; power brokers; etc.
Sabareesan was the beehive for all such dealings. Senior all India Service officers who want postings will wait for hours together at his door. Businessmen, rich acquaintances will pay any amount for a minute of Sabareesan’s attention. The power is addictive. The high it gives can only be felt.
Sabareesan was all along high with power, due to his influence over his father in law and DMK President MK Stalin.
He decided party postings, he decided candidates and he was in charge of the funds. This is some heavy power. Udhayanidhi, being an introvert and a play boy, was least interested in money. His desire is to conquer the tinsel town. He loves partying, moving in the company of ravishing beauties, flaunting his power, and of course getting high. He used to be a lovely guy. Those who have moved with him, vouch for his politeness and disinterest in politics.
It is Thirumathi Durga Stalin, an extremely ambitious other half of Stalin who depends more on astrologers than on her husband or senior DMK leaders. Her greed after coming to power has grown manifold to the extent of becoming cynical.
There are rumours for quite sometime about the health condition of TN Chief Minister MK Stalin. His yearly trips to London has added fuel to the rumours. The family never bothered to clarify.
One thing is for sure. Stalin is unable to cope up with the pressure of the post of Chief Minister of a state. It is a fact. Stalin was never a leader material. He had to be propped, pushed and cajoled. The role of Opposition leader fit perfectly for Stalin. He will issue statements, stage walk outs in Assembly, an occasional agitation and that’s it. But a CM post is taxing. He is struggling.
He is very dependent on his officers to take a decision. Consultation is a different thing; A leader has to be decisive and firm. His reversal of decisions, various flip flops prove that he is not a decisive leader. He vacillates while taking decision and yields to influences. The influencers are manipulating Stalin to suit their greedy needs and the state is paying.
There is huge confusion in the party about why Stalin himself is promoting his son and yielding space which a political leader should never do. If the chronology is seen, first there was appointment as Youth Wing leader. Before that, the usurpation of Murasoli, DMK Trust, Murasoli Trust, and Kalaignar TV. He also assumed the role of Editor of Murasoli. He is made a Director in the DMK’s property protection wing which manages all DMK’s properties.
All this happened with the nod of Stalin. Then he was given a ticket which Prasanth Kishore strongly advised against. Now he is made a Minister. Not only that, to send a clear message, he was placed at 10th in the order of protocol. He is now senior to veteran Muthusamy.
Highly placed sources say, MK Stalin is likely to visit London for treatment, during the time which Udhayanidhi will be asked to hold forte. This will ease his way to Numero Uno.
Sources say, Udhayanidhi Stalin is likely to vacate his residence in Chitharanjan Salai, his father’s home and move to a government accommodation in Greenways road. Unconfirmed sources say, a bungalow situated next to Speaker Appavu is likely to be allotted.
A senior intelligence officer on condition of anonymity said, “See, we are here to serve the government. We want the confusion to be removed. There is huge confusion and group fighting prevailing in among officers, that is seriously affecting the administration. We need clarity and clear instructions. It is almost chaotic to complete a day”.
This is true. The administration is fumbling in its handling the Governor, the BJP, its own Ministers, officers, and the administration. Stalin lacks focus and ineffective. Further, the younger generation in DMK has grown extremely ambitious. Everyone is trying to flaunt. They are retrieving space from party elders. The wards of most DMK ministers are waiting for compassionate ground appointment. They feel, this chance may never come again.
They want Udhayanidhi to take over. At the sake of repetition it has to be said. Stalin has not learnt from his father. Stalin should have rewinded his own life. He should understand why Karunanidhi never allowed Stalin to take over till his death bead.
Stalin should have put his foot down and firmly refused the Ministership to Udhayanidhi. The younger generation in Tamil Nadu who grew listening to Modi’s words about dynasty politics are bound to fall. They are significant in numbers. But Stalin is meekly acquiescing to all proposals to empower Udhayanidhi.
In the seventeenth century, Aurangazeb, son of Shajahan kept his father in house arrest. Stalin should read history. Everything is perception in politics. The swift developments in his family, cabinet and government only gives and indication that Stalin is taking a political sanyas.
