Fight for Stalingrad

With shifting alliances, internal crises within established parties, and new political actors seeking space, the coming election could test the resilience of the Dravidian political order

- N.K. Bhoopesh

ALMOST six decades ago, Tamil Nadu witnessed a political upheaval whose impact still lingers over the Dravidian land. In 1967, the southern state dealt a crushing blow to the seemingly indomitable Indian National Congress, pushing it out of power for the first time. Coming from a regional party that had once advocated secession from India, the defeat was particularly striking.

The Congress never returned to power in Tamil Nadu. M. Bhaktavatsalam, who ruled the state until 1967, still holds the distinction of being the last Congress chief minister of Tamil Nadu. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which led that historic upset, would later witness a split, leading to the formation of another powerful Dravidian force, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Since then, these two Dravidian parties—born of the same political tradition—have largely alternated in power.

Nearly 60 years later, political observers believe Tamil Nadu may once again be on the cusp of a significant political shift—one that could potentially redraw the contours of the state's political future.

“This is historically an important election. For decades, Tamil Nadu elections were fought between the DMK and the AIADMK. But this time, the contest is shaping up between the DMK-led front and the NDA. This could bring about a profound shift in the state's political dynamics, given the various organisational issues the AIADMK is facing,” says senior journalist Thirumalaven. seeking space, the coming election could test the resilience of the Dravidian political order.

While the principal constituents of both fronts remain broadly the same, the DMK-led alliance has expanded since 2021, bringing more parties into its fold. At the same time, the emergence of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the party launched by actor Vijay, has added a new layer of complexity to Tamil Nadu's political landscape.