Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is the term which was in vogue during the Cold War days between USA and the then USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) which had stockpiled nuclear warheads capable of destructing the world many times over.
The USSR is gone forever and Cold War has become a topic being discussed in academic circles. But Tamil Nadu politics is witnessing a MAD with a difference. The AIADMK which has split into two factions following the passing away of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, is in a MAD mood. The two factions led by Chief Minister Edappady Palaniswamy and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam launched a MAD on Friday.
Termed as a mass contact programme, the factions are accusing each other more virulently than they waged the war against the DMK, their eternal enemy since 1972, when MG Ramachandran founded the AIADMK following his ouster from the DMK in 1971.
While Panneerselvam launched his campaign on Friday from a Chennai suburb by addressing a rally, Chief Minister Palaniswamy addressed a youth meeting at Madurai. The objective of both the factions is same. “We are the real AIADMK functioning as per the rules and laws formulated by MGR and Jayalalithaa, We are the true followers of MGR and Jayalalithaa” said Panneerselvam. He predicted that Tamil Nadu would soon see a mid-term election to the Assembly and his faction would emerge victorious in it.
CM Palaniswamy addressed a youth rally at Madurai. But if the crowd turn out for the Madurai rally was any indication, the Palaniswamy faction of the AIADMK is in for major trouble, according to a leader close to the Chief Minister.
Both Palaniswamy and Panneerselvam unleashed series of attacks on each other. Both of them were silent on the schemes being planned by the DMK to ensure the annihilation of both the AIADMK factions.
The April 24 robbery and murder at the Kodanadu Estate of late Jayalalithaa and the subsequent developments has given rise to a lot of speculations in the State. “This is no ordinary robbery. A security guard was murdered and the prime accused was killed in a hit and run case. Another accused is undergoing treatment following a car accident. We are closely monitoring the progress of the investigation. These incidents point to the possibilities of an all out war between various groups fighting for the properties of the late chief minister,” said an intelligence official.