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AIADMK Goes On Appeasement Spree To Woo Muslim Voters

The Commune

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), after its exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has come under scrutiny for its perceived efforts to court minority voters. This shift is believed to be a response to the party’s claim of losing minority support during its alliance with the BJP. Let’s examine key instances where the current AIADMK’s General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami appears to be making overtures to minorities, particularly Muslims.

Parting Ways With The BJP Just Like The Muslims Wanted

The AIADMK General Secretary informed his Muslim supporters in Salem several days ago that the party had severed ties with the BJP in accordance with their wishes. He said, “I would like to point out that ADMK has acted just as you wished. Similarly, you have to ensure that our candidates win the elections.”

Resolution For Muslim Prisoner Release

AIADMK proposed a resolution in support of releasing Muslim prisoners in Tamil Nadu, including those serving sentences related to the 1998 Coimbatore blasts. The party has urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider releasing 36 Muslim prisoners who have been incarcerated for 20 to 25 years. This appeal is based on factors such as their age, deteriorating health, and the pleas of their families.

Symbolic Gestures

Now a member of the AIADMK, CTR Nirmal Kumar who was once with the BJP shared a picture on his X handle with the hashtag – An ADMK for everyone and the image had EPS wearing the skullcap characteristic of Muslims with the words “The Saviour” in the background written in Arabic style font. The background also depicted a mosque and the crescent moon. 

Possible Alliance With Muslim Parties

It has been reported that the ADMK leader EPS has met with and is in touch with Muslim political parties to possibly forge an alliance for the upcoming polls. A post made by Tada Rahim of the Indian National League Party indicates so. He wrote, “What I realised during the 30-minute interaction with former Chief Minister EPS, real talk, simple discussion, this is the mantra/reason why AIADMK workers and leaders never leave him.” 

Tada Rahim is also said to have thanked EPS and the ADMK for passing a resolution to press for the release of the Coimbatore blasts convicts at the Madurai Conference. 

History Of AIADMK’s Approach

AIADMK’s apparent shift towards minority outreach isn’t entirely unprecedented. During the tenure of J. Jayalalithaa as the party’s General Secretary, she introduced an anti-conversion law in 2002 while serving as the Chief Minister. However, she later repealed it in 2004, citing the request of “leaders of minorities”. She is also reported to have said, “This government will always be the true friend and champion of minorities. Those who are today masquerading as secular forces have in fact been responsible for the abject misery and humiliation of minorities without lifting a little finger for their genuine benefit,”. 

Echoing this sentiment, EPS while interacting with party members in Salem recently stated, “As far as the ADMK is concerned, just like how the eyelids protect the eyes, ADMK will be the first people to protect the minority communities.”

In a move reminiscent of Jayalalithaa, the recent post shared on social media platform X which depicts EPS donning a skullcap, emphasising his connection with minority communities. It is noteworthy to remember Jayalalithaa had also attended iftar parties during Ramzan, covering her head.

In the run up to the 2011 Assembly Elections, Jayalalithaa promised to increase reservation for Muslims if voted to power which was in complete contrast to her comments in 2004 when she spoke against the Andhra Pradesh government’s 5% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for Muslims.

In 2004, Jayalalithaa did not flinch even a bit to ordering the arrest of the revered Kanchipuram Mutt seer, Shri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, in connection with a murder case. This move was seen as a calculated effort to bolster her secular image and strengthen ties with the Indian National Congress (INC).

The extent to which AIADMK’s overtures to minorities will impact their electoral fortunes remains uncertain, and this strategic shift has generated debate among political observers. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield the desired results in future elections.

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