Cadre spirit wanes with leaders’ demise, it is all cash game now

While the upcoming electoral battle is going to be an important turf for both Stalin and EPS-OPS duo to prove their skills, the foot soldiers of the DMK and AIADMK will be missing the charisma and guidance of the giants this time.

The enthusiasm with which the cadre used to give their all for the leaders seems to be missing this season. Party workers appear to be lacking the usual spirit, except in some pockets, thanks to the early money flow from candidates.

The cadre had some veneration and dedication to charismatic leaders like Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, who held their party workers in their sway with fiery speeches, guidance and morale booster suggestions. Both the stalwarts were highly skilled in gauging the pulse of the cadre when it comes to election campaigns and selection of candidates.

Moreover, the party workers used to volunteer and work day and night for their respective leaders and the candidates identified by them. “We had expected nothing and even spent from our pockets during the elections. With just tea, we used to go on the field and never look into the watch,” recalled a DMK cadre and expressed that it was good to work for the leader (Karunanidhi) and the party’s victory in any election.

The attitude of the cadre has changed after the demise of both the leaders. Now, it has really become a task for candidates to get booth agents and cadre force for street campaigns. Unlike in the past, getting a complete election team comes certainly at a price. “The cadre too has changed their mindset. We have been searching for booth agents. Only after ensuring remuneration in cash, party workers agree to join the poll brigade,” said an AIADMK functionary. 

The situation has become worse in districts like Pudukkottai where the assembly segments have been scattered into four Parliamentary constituencies after the delimitation exercise.  Both the AIADMK and the DMK have been struggling to find full-time cadre in Pudukkottai to speed up electioneering works as the poll date is fast approaching.