During crises, there’s value in listening to voices

The AIADMK started by MG Ramachandran suffered a major setback after his death. In that political chaos, J Jayalalithaa emerged as an indispensable leader for all the warring factions. Now, with the demise of J Jayalalithaa, the war on succession has started and again with factionalism, the party is heading for a vertical divide. AIADMK history has shown their popular leaders at the end of their period (death) leave only factionalism.The two factions or three have to fight it out with the cadres to elect an acceptable leader. This is not going to happen immediately. Elections, by-elections and local body elections will settle the issue  of leadership.  

Exit, Voice, and Loyalty (1970) is a treatise written by Albert O Hirschman (1915—2012).  During the time of crisis either in an organisation, political party or in the market, one can see clearly people who are quitting, exit or leave. This group has a clear choice of leaving the organisation or political party. 

They cannot compromise on their ideologies, so they leave. 

During the time of crisis it is also important to hear the ‘voices’. This group is a concerned group about the organisation which may also be a political party. This group is trying to avoid a split and provide opportunities for factions and warring groups to come together. The value they hold dear is to avoid split and the oneness and unity that the party has enjoyed under its leaders. 

‘Loyalty’ is a hallmark of some of the followers, who at any point of time will not leave the organisation or the political party.  They remain loyal to the political party to which they belong and whatever may be the challenges, they will not leave. They are loyal to anyone who is elected as a leader in the party and their loyalty to the party is total.  In the case of AIADMK, we see all the three categories mentioned by Hirschman in their political crisis. OPS and  his followers represent the ‘exit’ category and they wouldn’t like to compromise on their stand as well as with their demands. 

There are many in the party who do not want a split and are working for a compromise. They represent the ‘voice’ category but finally they will join either of the factions if it comes to a divide.  

‘Loyalty’ is practised by a few in the political parties. The few who represent the category of ‘loyalty’ remain with the party, whatever may happen to the party even if it comes to a handful of people.