DMK’s Stalin has challenges and opportunities
The elevation of MK Stalin as the working president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was not surprising as he had been waiting in the line to get into his father's shoes. For long, Stalin had been actively involved in the DMK’s affairs. Unofficially, he had been working as a successor to his father and DMK chief M Karunanidi. His elevation was, therefore, a formality. He became the Deputy Chief Minister of the State in 2009 when the DMK was in power last. He also served as the Mayor of Chennai. Stalin had taken charge of both the 2014 lok Sabha election and the 2016 Assembly poll.
Though victory dodged him, but given his vast experience he was but a natural choice for the leadership of the DMK. He has a good support base in the State. It was just that the ailing Karunanidhi did not officially name him as the party president. Even now, although Stalin is officially only the working president, he will call the shots in the DMK, and enjoy the same powers as that of party president. But the party will still be headed by Karunanidhi. Also, with this elevation, rumours surrounding the intense succession struggle among the siblings — MK Stalin and MK Alagiri — has come to an end. Stalin's elevation comes after a long power dispute between his elder brother Alagiri and him. Both Stalin and Alagiri have their own influence in different pockets of the State. While for some, Alagiri is a DMK discard who was shunted out by for anti-party activities, for others, who consider him as a power centre in the southern districts of the State, he is a political heavyweight. He even enjoyed tremendous clout as the party's organisation secretary in the south, when the DMK was in power between 2006 and 2011. But, perhaps, Stalin overshadowed him because of the ground-level support he has. And for this support, Stalin has worked in the party from the grassroots level. He reinforced himself to climb up the ladder to the top position in the party. Moreover, he has been gradually groomed by his father over the years to lead the party.
What is equally important is the timing of Stalin's elevation. There is a change in power in both the Dravidian parties of the State. Post Jayalalithaa's death, the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is undergoing a fluid situation. There is much confusion within the party on whether Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam must give way to party general secretary Sasikala Natarajan. Moreover, whosoever leads the AIADMK, it is to be seen if he/she can command the same respect and power that Jayalalithaa did. Stalin is at an advantageous position right now within his party given the political dynamics. After losing the previous Assembly election by a thin margin, this is the moment for the DMK and its ‘young’ leader Stalin to act as a responsible Opposition. Though he has been handed over the mantle, it remains to be seen if he will be able to cash in on the prevailing situation in Tamil Nadu. A lot will depend on the decisions Stalin takes. leaders of both the AIADMK and the DMK are at a crucial juncture right now, as they face the challenge to carry forward the legacies of their giant leaders. It can be safely said that decisions and actions of both the parties will unleash a new chapter in the history of Tamil Nadu politics.