Stalin’s days ahead to get tougher

EPS grows stronger and Rajinikanth set to fight 2021 polls

Chennai: M.K. Stalin completed one year as the DMK president. The veteran leader was appointed as party president after DMK leader M. Karunanidhi's demise in 2018.

On his first anniversary questions like has, he kept his flock together? Is the road ahead clear for Stalin? Can he get his party back to power in State? Are doing the rounds as he goes about with his task.

The Thalapathy who is now Thalaivar managed to steer the party to become the principal Opposition in the state. Under his leadership, they fought Lok Sabha elections and won 38 of the 40 seats.

DMK cadres say, “Thalaivar has brought fresh energy, young faces to the party. He made some tactical moves and has grown in stature not just in Tamil Nadu but in national politics too. His vehement protest to Art 370 by holding protest in New Delhi brought him name and fame at a national level. He is one leader who is keen to fight the BJP and its policies in a consistent manner. He is keeping the pressure on Prime Minister Narender Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.”

'There is an anti-BJP mood in Tamil Nadu, which Stalin understood well and capitalising on it clearly. He is sharp in his verbal attack and the fact that people in flocks from Dhinakaran's AMMK and AIADMK joining the DMK is a proof to it', they add.

But back home, where everything on the surface looks good Stalin’s repeated claims that the AIADMK government led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami would fall remains a dream for him.

Stalin capitalised on the anti-BJP mood in Tamil Nadu. His sharp verbal attacks saw cadre from Dhinakaran's AMMK and the AIADMK join the DMK.

However, like other politicians, he too has taken to the path of dynasty politics. A few say that elevating his son Udhayanidhi as the DMK youth wing secretary displayed his weakness. Also, the fact that in the by-polls he could win in just 12 out of the 21 Assembly seats added to it the close margin by which his party won the Vellore Lok Sabha by-elections are telling signs.

Another factor is that EPS is gaining more strength. Then there is the threat from Rajinikanth, who announced that he would contest the 2021 Assembly elections. The road ahead is only going to get tougher and this should be a cause of concern for Stalin.