With the 2024 Parliament elections a few months away, the Tamil Nadu political scenario is undergoing a churn with the AIADMK exiting the National Democratic Alliance. The stage has been for political maneuvering and BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai has taken an active role in mobilizing the public through his En Mann, En Makkal yatra.
In the aftermath of the AIADMK-BJP rift, it is noteworthy that Annamalai has been drawing sizable crowds from various political factions especially the youth from AIADMK, DMDK and PMK. The intensified political activity of the BJP has prompted leaders across parties to “reassess” their strategies.
Against this backdrop, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thirumavalavan stated in Chidambaram that many youth cadres belonging to AIADMK and PMK, have been enthusiastcally participating in Annamalai’s yatra.
This has allegedly prompted Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) to take a serious stance on the issue, aiming to address the apparent exodus of younger cadres from the ADMK. To deliberate on this matter and other party strategies, EPS has scheduled a meeting with district secretaries at the party headquarters on 21 November 2023.
EPS recently announced plans to establish committees for the women’s wing and polling booths in preparation for the 2024 parliamentary elections. The broader objective is to refurbish the ADMK’s image, reinstate its secular standing, and position it as a dominant force in Tamil Nadu politics in the upcoming elections.
EPS’s strategic vision encompasses winning back minority voters who distanced themselves from the party post-Jayalalithaa’s demise in 2016, especially after aligning with the BJP. The AIADMK’s alliance-friendly members have urged Palaniswami to reconsider the decision to exit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
In the aftermath of the alliance breakup, there has been a notable absence of public criticism between the BJP and ADMK leaders. This has left political observers pondering whether the two parties will choose to align once again or maintain their separate paths.
Amidst these uncertainties, concerns have risen over the alleged participation of PMK’s cadres in Annamalai’s team, particularly as the yatra approaches the Vanniyar areas. This is said to be the reason behind the strong objection put forth by PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss to Annamalai’s recent statement on the removal of the Periyar/EVR’s statue near temples in Srirangam and other parts of TN.
The upcoming advisory meeting by the ADMK on 21 November 2023 is expected to shape strategies for retaining and attracting youth support, reflecting the party’s commitment to navigating the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu.
(with inputs from Maalai Malar)
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