Whatever ideology, call it Dravidian

CHENNAI: Politics without a robust ideology would be like an unfinished artwork. As politicians in Tamil Nadu are aware that politics is also an art, they never miss an opportunity to showcase their zeal for ideology. The latest entry to the club is former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

In a counter move to CM Stalin’s claim that he has been delivering a Dravidian model government, EPS roared that it was the AIADMK party which set the model of governance and not the DMK. Despite MGR’s claims that he was an ardent follower of former State leader CN Annadurai, political observers opine that AIADMK had always relied on MGR’s charisma for its popularity, and was successfully maintained with J Jayalalithaa’s iron will.

Therefore, EPS’ assertion that his party follows Dravidian model is new to his cadre. Nonetheless, it’s obvious that his four-year tenure as CM never exhibited the ideological path of his party, despite implementing several schemes like scooters for women at a subsidy, Amma mini clinic facility and others. He had never once claimed those as schemes reflecting the Dravidian model.

Interestingly, a few AIADMK leaders like Rajenthira Bhalaji and OP Raveenthranath have recited the principles of their partner BJP in public. “After facing electoral setbacks and realising their charisma, the AIADMK leader should have come out with a statement of ideology,” analysts point out.