CHENNAI: After 11 years of existence in the State's political arena, it's fair to say the avid patrons of Desiya Morpoku Dravida Kazhagam, especially its women cadre, are not content at their leader being a kingmaker; they want Vijayakant to assume the throne himself.
At the mega convention organised by its women's wing Chennai district, that message echoed among the women cadres who had descended on YMCA grounds at Royapettah here.
All that S Indira of Villupuram, remembers of her first contact with her leader was sharing a stage with him when he visited her town for a wedding. "There was not an inch of space in the crowd, but then I was determined to see my idol. I slowly made my way towards the stage, tripping and trampling all the while," recalled Indira. But then, before she could realise what was happening, Indira and her daughter was hoisted to the stage. "One of the crowd managers hoisted us up, but after a minute of soaking in the atmosphere, I recoiled to the far end of the stage," she said.
On Thursday, having made the journey from Villupuram, Indira was emphatic when she said women can achieve anything they aspire to, but need meaningful support. "It's not freebies or populist schemes that we want, but rather real measures that can empower us (women) to be independent and I believe 'Captain' will be our saviour."
50-year-old Kolanthai Theresa, the deputy secretary of the party's women wing in Sivaganga district, opines that 'Captain' will definitely listen to the collective voice of his women cadre. "Remember, when he was the leader of Nadigar Sangam, he spent his own money towards initiatives aimed at presenting self-earning opportunities for women. In my own district, he gave away tailoring machines and iron boxes." Having made her point, she is now dreaming on what her leader can achieve if he is the chief minister.
However, there also exists a feeling, though not entirely expressed, that the present political situation calls for a strong alliance to take on the ruling dispensation.
Tamil Nadu will go for polls on May 17, the results of which would be released on May 19.