Southern Samrat

Stalin is reinventing Dravidian politics for the DMK

- Shahina K K

A tall and imposing stage, which resembles the iconic structure of the old Parliament building, is the venue for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to kick off the election campaign in Thiruvarur district. The very shape of the stage, along with the thundering slogans asserting that the DMK is committed to reclaiming pre-Modi India, is self-explanatory of the political campaign that the party is pursuing. About 5,000 people have assembled; their presence is marked by a sea of black and red flags—emblematic of the DMK—fluttering in the air. As Stalin enters, the stage comes alive with vibrant melodies of old Tamil films and songs advocating support for the DMK and voices promising to liberate India from the clutches of the Sangh Parivar.

Thiruvarur has a special place in the history of both modern and ancient Tamil Nadu. Apart from being one of the five capitals of the Chola dynasty, Thiruvarur is also the hometown of both Stalin and his father and former chief minister M Karunanidhi. As ‘legacy’ plays a vital role in Tamil politics, the DMK has always been particular about invoking the collective memory of the people of their Dravidian culture. In his speech, Stalin reminds the people to uphold the values and ethos of the DMK.

In many ways, Tamil Nadu is a pioneering state in the country. It was the first state in India to have a regional party in power, way back in the 1967 assembly elections. It also set the stage for the evolution of the concept of social justice—Tamil Nadu was one of the first states that implemented reservation for the backward communities.