CHENNAI: There is no dearth of chief ministerial wannabes in Tamil Nadu, but actor-turned- neta Vijayakant, who has woken up rather late, is all set to join the race. With a series of public meetings across the state from later this month, the DMDK founder is bracing himself up for the big fight with DMK’s heir apparent M K Stalin and the PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss, already in the fray.
While Stalin is already working overtime on his mission, Anbumani too has dropped the hat with his focus fixed on engaging the DMK’s rising son. As both are holding zonal conferences, Vijayakant, has opted for a jamboree in each district. Further, the actor is expected to distribute welfare assistance to the needy so as to make the events more popular and woo the voters.
It is after a period of stagnation that the DMDK leader is coming out with such a mass programme to rouse the dormant cadres. For, the alliance with the BJP had failed to enthuse his support base. Also, the legislative performance of Vijayakant has not been one befitting that of a Leader of the Opposition. Even outside, neither his presence nor that of his party is felt either in terms of media visibility or agitational politics. “Captain’s tour commences from Gummidipoondi on August 20. It would be followed up in each district,” said V C Chandirakumar, legislator and party’s propaganda secretary. The party has also convened a conclave on August 9 to chalk out strategies to ensure that the rallies are a show of strength for the DMDK ahead of alliance negotiations with others..
As early as 2011, the DMDK had placed posters and cutouts announcing their leader as the next chief minister. At a press meet in Erode recently, Chandrakumar reiterated the party’s desire to make Vijayakant the chief ministerial candidate. So far, the BJP has not shown an inclination to project the actor as the CM candidate of the NDA in the state. But, this has not deterred him from pursuing his dream. For, Captain has many options as he apparently is the most sought after suitor in the alliance market.
But, political observers are doubtful of Captain succeeding in his quest. “Rather than consolidating and further expanding the party’s reach, his ability to hold on to the party’s traditional vote base has come under a cloud. If anything, the last Lok Sabha poll result should be an eye opener for Vijayakant about his dwindling stock,” says R Thirunavukkarasu, who teaches sociology at the University of Hyderabad.
True, the DMK is not leaving any stone unturned to bring the DMDK on board for the forthcoming Assembly elections. It had made unsuccessful attempts even before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The CPI(M), which has roped in Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the MDMK of Vaiko, has also invited Vijayakant to join the Left parties’ ongoing Joint Movement for People’s Welfare. As such, it has to be seen whether Vijayakant’s run gains momentum through the public meetings. A late entrant, will he prove to be the proverbial tortoise and turn the tables? A tall order indeed!
Options and Hurdles for Captain
1. Continue to remain in BJP-led front and press for projecting him as the CM candidate of the saffron alliance, banking on Modi magic
Hurdle: This arrangement will not help him win seats in the Assembly poll as the vote share of the DMDK and BJP together is about 10 per cent, as per the 2014 LS poll statistics
2. Drive a hard bargain with DMK for Deputy CM post and a coalition government or at least for a lion’s share of seats
Hurdle: It will be a tough and bargain with the DMK leaders who have vast experience in seat-sharing talks. It will not be easy to cow down the DMK to accept a coalition government, leave alone deputy CM or key posts in the ministry.
3. Join the alternative alliance being built by the CPM on the condition that he should be the CM candidate or demand the leadership status
Hurdle: A vote share of around 20 per cent will not be enough give it a decisive role in govt formation