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From Supporting CAA To Opposing Its Implementation, EPS Does A U-Turn To Appease Islamists

The Commune

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), formerly an ally of the National Democratic Alliance, has undergone a substantial transformation, resembling them as new Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Recent posts from both Dravidian parties, DMK and AIADMK, indicate a shared focus on securing their respective vote banks, particularly within the minority communities. Notably, AIADMK seems determined to rebuild trust with these communities and is employing various strategies anticipating the upcoming elections.

On 31 January 2024, a significant development unfolded as both DMK President MK Stalin and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palanisami engaged in a sharp exchange on social media. The focus of their dispute was the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Stalin accused Edappadi of being responsible for the CAA becoming an Act, claiming it adversely affects Sri Lankan Tamils and Muslims. Edappadi reverted these arguments slamming the DMK, accusing them of deceiving minorities by supporting the NIA and UAPA laws. This clash underscored the clear divergence in their approaches to securing votes.

In 2019, AIADMK’s official stance differed significantly from its current position in 2024. In that year, the official X handle of AIADMK stated, “Central Government has made it clear about Citizenship Act, Citizenship Act does not affect any religion in India – Hon’ble Edappadi K Palaniswami Interview.”

However, fast forward to 2024, and the same official X handle conveyed a contrasting message, quoting, “AIADMK will never allow minorities to be affected by CAA act – Hon’ble General Secretary of the party Edappadi K Palaniswami“.

Palaniswami too in his recent statement about CAA said “The DMK has been betraying the minorities by making a political capital of and doing drama over communal politics, while cooperate with the BJP when they are in power and opposing them when they are not in power. Having supported the NIA and UAPA laws which affects the minorities severely, people are watching the drama of the DMK, which only shows opposition to the BJP in statements and stage speeches.”

Many on social media pointed out the hypocrisy and criticized Edappadi K. Palaniswami of pandering to Islamists for the sake of their votes.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami faced criticism for his party’s current stance in recent years. Since the passing of Jayalalitha, the party appears to be in a vulnerable position, often seen seeking electoral victories without a clear strategy, and seemingly inactive in the realm of politics.

He also faced criticism for his perceived approach towards minority appeasement, accompanied by images comparing him with and without the Hindu identity vibhuthi mark on his forehead.

While both Dravidian parties DMK and AIADMK historically vying for the support of minority communities, the current AIADMK has witnessed a noteworthy shift in their approach. This shift is seen as a response to the AIADMK’s decision to break away from the BJP, actively seeking new alliances, and revisiting their historical support from minority communities.  

AIADMK’s Strategy Of Courting Minorities

 It all began with a consultative meeting on 25 September 2023. Taking a bold stance, the party decided to sever ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) following allegations of intentional defamation by the state BJP leadership. In an official press release, the AIADMK pointed fingers at the BJP, accusing them of intentionally tarnishing the party’s reputation and targeting leaders Annadurai and Jayalalithaa with hidden agendas. Notably, the state leadership, personified by Annamalai, was specifically accused of downplaying a significant public gathering in Madurai defaming Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

In a swift sequence of events following the accusation, AIADMK took a notable step in October 2023 by presenting a calling attention motion. The motion sought the release of Islamist terrorists who had been convicted in connection to the 1998 Coimbatore Bomb Blasts, emphasizing humanitarian considerations overlooking the severity of the actions committed, focusing instead on appeasement and securing votes for their respective vote banks. This action underscored the party’s strong dedication to minority rights, particularly in the aftermath of its separation from the BJP.

 Subsequently, Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS), the General Secretary of AIADMK, delivered a speech in Salem district in October 2023, explicitly declaring that the party had distanced itself from the BJP in response to the desires of the Muslim community. He passionately appealed to Muslims to rally behind the party in the forthcoming elections. Moreover, he urged party functionaries to proactively engage with the traditional voter base within minority communities, with a determined goal of regaining the trust that might have been lost, emphasizing AIADMK’s commitment as the authentic guardians of Muslim interests.

Subsequently, Edappadi Palaniswami made a significant appearance at the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) conference held on 7 January 2023 in Madurai. Notably, during this conference, he shared the stage with Nellai Mubarak, the SDPI state president, who had gained notoriety due to NIA raids conducted in July 2023 in connection with the Ramalingam murder case. Palaniswami, took this opportunity to strategically address the gathering and emphatically reassured minorities that the AIADMK, under his leadership, would stand as an unwavering defender of the rights and interests of minority communities. Even he went on to formalize an alliance with the Islamist party, which operates as an auxiliary outfit affiliated with the banned terror organization, Popular Front of India. This calculated move marked a clear departure from the party’s previous affiliations and served as a strategic step towards consolidating support from minority communities.

 At the latest, Edappadi Palaniswami attributed his non-participation in the Pran Prathishta ceremony to leg pain and concerns over the incomplete construction of the temple. This abstention is perceived as a strategic maneuver gearing up for the impending Lok Sabha elections, strategically showcasing unity and solidarity to appeal to minority voters.

All these efforts to form alliances with minority parties indicate a strategic move aimed at securing crucial constituencies in the upcoming elections. The impact of these outreach initiatives on electoral results remains uncertain. Critics suggests that parties may be driven by the fear of potential losses, lack effective strategies, or, as Rajinikanth suggested, acknowledge a political vacuum in Tamil Nadu that cannot be filled solely by minority votes but requires winning the hearts of all voters in a democratic setup.

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