The new DMK chief has his task cut out: He will have to ensure the party punches above its weight nationally
Ever since MK Stalin was elected as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) working president in 2017, many have remarked on a how he had toned down his earlier aggression. He was diligent, patient and disciplined and had by then emerged as his father’s favourite. Now that he has been elected unopposed for the post of the DMK’s chief, which fell vacant after the demise of M Karunanidhi, patience will be the key quality he will require to establish his hold. His brother MK Alagiri retains the potential to cause nuisance if not a split in the party. But this is Stalin's moment and his path for the top post was cleared by none other Karunanidhi himself who had been grooming him for the post and had been instrumental in shunting out Alagiri in 2014.
Stalin's first challenge will be to transform the DMK's narrative in Tamil Nadu to one of a Government-in-waiting as the ruling AIADMK appears weak, ineffective and riven with dissensions. With Assembly elections still three years away, he has time on his side to fashion this narrative provided he doesn't get impatient. He also has to find a way to either co-opt or neutralise the possible effect of Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, both of whom have formally entered politics. But the immediate decision before Stalin is on how to handle the new player in Tamil Nadu politics, the BJP. In his maiden speech as the party chief, after pledging to stand by the ideals of his father, he launched a blistering attack on the Narendra Modi/Amit Shah led party, vowing to “throw out their communal Government” effectively laying to rest the speculation that he may be a potential partner for the NDA. Stalin will, however, have his task cut out in ensuring the DMK punches above his weight in a combined Opposition alliance, something that his father had perfected. But there are still a few within the upper echelons of the DMK who would prefer the party keeps its options open till the General Election results are in because they feel a sympathetic Centre would be the key to winning the State election. Interesting times ahead.