The rivalry between MK Stalin and Vaiko is well-known in the Dravidian political landscape. Little wonder, then, that as a friendship now brews between the two leaders, to raise their voices against the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), eyebrows are being raised.
For the first time since 2006, Vaiko returned to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) headquarters in Chennai for an all-party meet on Tuesday, 5 February.
So, have rivals turned into brothers? Will this friendship serve as a ladder for Tamil Nadu government’s main opposition party – DMK – to gain power in the state?
Though the DMK working president Stalin chose to stay mum on questions about a possible alliance with his enemy-turned-friend, the other parties – the Congress, the VCK and the Left – seemed positive that this joint opposition could solve the present political chaos in Tamil Nadu.
This is a good sign. In the future this will be a mega-alliance in the electoral field.Thirumavalavan, VCK
Vaiko and His Tale of Criss-Crossing Through Parties
A lawyer by profession, Vaiko rose fast in the DMK, thanks to his charisma, oratorical power, and strong Tamil nationalism, sprinkled with references to both classical Tamil literature and world history.
Vaiko was once considered a potential heir to DMK President Karunanidhi.
He has been a popular name when it came to protests and raising the black flag.
The ethnic strife in Sri Lanka was a godsend for him. As the state was engulfed by competitive Tamil nationalism, Vaiko emerged as the star of the show, forging links with the Tamil Tigers.
But his close links with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran didn’t go down very well with Karunanidhi, who in turn suspended him from the party.
Vaiko then founded his own party – Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK).
During that time the state was haunted by the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and weakened Dravidian politics, which helped Vaiko’s party find a lot of followers.
In 2006, he chose to go with the AIADMK for the Assembly elections. And in 2016, he formed an alliance with the BJP.
This constant jumping from one party to another dented his image forever.
12 Years On, Vaiko Back in the DMK Basket?
In 2016 state elections, the duo exchanged barbs with Stalin frequently calling the then People’s Welfare Alliance (PWA) led by Vaiko as ‘B-Team’ of AIADMK. The PWA consisted of the CPI-M, the CPI, the VCK, Vijayakant’s DMDK, and GK Vasan’s Tamil Maanila Congress. It lost the elections miserably.
However, now things seem to be changing.
A couple of months back, Vaiko’s MDMK extended its support to DMK candidate Marudhu Ganesh in the RK Nagar by-election. He said he was joining hands to challenge the “subservient’ AIADMK government” and “communal saffron brigade”, attempting to “undermine” the principle of federalism and state autonomy.
Stalin had also welcomed his decision to support his party candidate. He had said that Vaiko had taken this decision, to redeem Tamil Nadu from the danger it was facing.
The fissures, which existed between the MDMK and the DMK, have been removed now. Our alliance and brotherhood with the DMK would only get cemented further in the future.Vaiko to The Hindu
But as someone who has been cynical of Stalin, is he willing to accept his leadership?
In an interview with The Hindu, Vaiko lauded Stalin as an an experienced leader who has gone through several hardships.
Stalin’s leadership has been very well accepted by the rank and file of the DMK. I would say Stalin has emerged a seasoned leader and also been functioning as an efficient Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.Vaiko to The Hindu
Vaiko even met Karunanidhi in January, and expressed his willingness to work closely with his party.
Good Charm or Jinx?
So, after being at loggerheads for several years, will this friendship help the DMK win the next state elections?
Political analysts say though Vaiko is a wonderful orator and can sway the masses with his words, when it comes to garnering votes, his contribution seems to be almost zilch.
His coming on board is not a huge advantage because electorally I don’t think he carries any clout. But the fact that the Congress, the MMK, the VCK and other communist parties are coming together, will form a formidable alliance. I don’t see the MDMK in isolation being a big force.Sumanth Raman, Political Analyst
Known for his party-switching tactics, analysts say the past should be forgotten and only experience should be factored in.
I wouldn’t want to get into the superstition part of it. There was a time when Vaiko had significant success. He was part of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, and had ministers in Centre. So it is not fair to say he will bring bad luck.Raman
DMK spokesperson Saravanan, too, said there is no bad blood, and they are ready to bring good governance to the state.
We don’t believe in all that jinx but only in good intentions, friendships and welfare of the people.Saravanan
When political analysts were asked who was the stronger contender in the state, right now, they said Tamil Nadu was no longer dealing with just two Dravidian parties. The new entrants, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, also need to be considered.
A lot of drama is expected in 2018.
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