Denting the Dravidian Fortress

Joseph Vijay's Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam has entered Tamil Nadu's complex arena of binaries, bargains, and populism, raising the question whether he can reshape Dravidian-dominated politics or remain another fleeting experiment from the cine world

- G PALANITHURAI

What is the new thesis in Tamil Nadu politics after the entry of actor Joseph Vijay with his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK)? The question is whether Vijay will become a factor to reckon with or a passing bird like other actors. MG Ramachandran was an exceptional actor and politician, with his own record of achievements.

Tamil Nadu is known for binary politics: first between the Congress and the DMK, and later between the DMK and the AIADMK, which eventually decimated the Indian National Congress. Nationalism and regionalism were the contending ideological forces behind the two parties. Later, politics took on an ethnic dimension, following the footsteps of Dravidian ideology, under the strong leadership of M Karunanidhi and MG Ramachandran. Eventually, both parties became populist, relying on innovative pro-poor schemes.

Now, both parties have grown into giant structures with vast resources, but bereft of clear ideology or development-oriented programmes capable of achieving fundamental transformation in Tamil society and politics. The two parties have also been portrayed as corrupt through systemic administrative actions of the Union government. Using this factor, the national party BJP seeks to expand its base. Many others have tried to do the same to capture power, but in vain. Actor Vijay is now attempting a similar path with his followers. Will he succeed? That is the question.