He has not spoken about Dravidian ideology, Periyar or social justice. He has not written long letters to his followers through Murasoli, the mouthpiece of the DMK, like his grandfather, former chief minister M. Karunanidhi, used to do. He also did not rise through the DMK’s ranks like his father, party president M.K. Stalin. Yet, Udhayanidhi Stalin has become the party’s poster boy.
Udhayanidhi, a film producer-actor-politician, loves the DMK, and, evidently, the spotlight. “Vote for the DMK,” he says, flashing his signature smile from a campaign vehicle in north Tamil Nadu. He explains why: “If you vote for the DMK, your MLA will go to the assembly. If you vote for the AIADMK, your MLA will either join the BJP or go to Koovathur (location of the resort where AIADMK MLAs elected Chief Minister E.K. Palaniswami).” The crowd around the vehicle relishes this dig at political rivals. Udhayanidhi goes on to attack the incumbent cabinet with creative monikers and the crowd goes berserk.
Though his speeches lack the rhetoric flourishes common in old-school Dravidian politics, Udhayanidhi has found a different path to popular support—every meeting he participates in is interactive. This helps him connect emotionally with people. He also ensures that he is articulate and relatable.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 04, 2021 من THE WEEK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 04, 2021 من THE WEEK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
There Is A Wind Blowing Against The BJP, And It Will Only Pick Up Speed
Interview - Akhilesh Yadav, Former Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh
Between hospital and home
Transitional care centres can add a lot to India's health care system
EFFORT VS EFFECT
The government's attempts to ensure quality drugs is evident, but how well new policies can be monitored on the ground remains to be seen
A way to let go of fear
Accepting the use of adult diapers is a journey with various stages-denial, concealment, rejection and reluctance
Mandeeps & a miracle
Two strangers, one deadly disease and an act of kindness. How Mandeep Mann saved Mandeep Singh, an acute leukaemia patient, by donating his stem cells
The A, B, C of cosmetic surgery
Between eight to 10 lakh cosmetic surgeries happen in India every year. Who is an ideal candidate, and what are the risks and results you can expect?
Vaccines and meningitis
In sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and encompassing the northern part of Nigeria, there exists a region known as the African Meningitis Belt (AMB).
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity
As Indians battle it out in our nation's 18th general election, it is again time for voters to reflect on the \"Idea of India\"-or rather, on two duelling ideas of India that are now before us and between which the nation must choose at the ballot box.
Defendant: an Hermès handbag
When Hermès was hit with a class-action lawsuit last month for \"antitrust\" activities, it didn't see it coming. Most of the luxury world has all eyes on this suit, filed by two interested consumers who claim they were denied a purchase, and whether it would go to trial.
A legacy, bound
Amal Allana's biography of her father, Ebrahim Alkazi, is as much personal as it is historical