A tale of three fronts in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu politics heats up with three-cornered contest in upcoming Lok Sabha election, featuring alliances and key issues.

One constant feature of Tamil Nadu politics is that there is no dearth of excitement and, at times, even sensationalism. The upcoming Lok Sabha election too is no exception.

The indications of the State headed towards at least a three-cornered contest were evident even in late September when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the principal Opposition party, walked out of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and announced that it would form a “mega alliance.” Initially, it had anticipated a migration from the coalition headed by the ruling DMK, the AIADMK’s bête noire, but the latter has remained as cohesive as in the past. Eventually, the AIADMK entered into electoral understanding with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by actor-politician Vijayakanth, and a few others.

The principal Opposition party has put up candidates in 34 constituencies and this includes nominees of its allies who are contesting on its symbol of “Two Leaves.” The AIADMK, which had earlier raised the issue of an international drug cartel case, and alleged DMK’s involvement in it, is banking on the “factor of anti-incumbency” against the State government on account of inflation, hike in power tariff, property tax rates and prices of many dairy products. It also does not fail to point out the “failure” of the DMK government in getting exemption for the State from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical courses. Citing the examples of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha and Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh, the party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who is the lead campaigner for his party and coalition, says there is no need to project anyone for the post of Prime Minister beforehand.

For months together, the ruling party has been preparing its members and keeping its machinery ready for the Lok Sabha election. Its opposition to the NEET, three farm laws (since withdrawn) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is all well known. In recent months, it has articulated how Tamil Nadu, like other southern States, is being discriminated against, when it comes to devolution of funds. The ruling party also is extremely upset that the Centre has not provided funds sought by it to tackle the problems caused by floods in parts of the State including Chennai and Thoothukudi. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the leader of the DMK’s front, has been accusing the Union government of having not provided even a rupee for the purpose. He has also been harping on the theme that no real separation has taken place between the BJP and the AIADMK, as the latter, according to him, does not criticise the national party.