Act II ends, but Chennai power play will continue
NEW DELHI: An AIADMK government assuming power in Chennai after days of uncertainty need not necessarily end the games in Tamil Nadu.
It could see the beginning of a new phase of manoeuvering by various stake-holders within AIADMK, the Opposition DMK-Congress and the BJP-led Centre, as each try to tilt the political scene to their respective advantage, especially with the presidential polls scheduled for July.
For chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the real challenge will be to take his government forward without a charismatic leader who has traditionally powered the AIADMK.
It was the magnetic attraction to Jayalalithaa, and earlier MG Ramachandran, which kept a party of hero-worshipping supporters a united fighting force against DMK since 1972.
Whether the uncertain perch of power alone would provide the adhesive to `Amma-orphaned’ AIADMK leaders and supporters to stick together is the question that is engaging many politicians today.
Swearing in of Team Palaniswami can be interpreted as the power players in Delhi conceding that its first choice Pannerselvam was incapable of turning the tide in his favour.
But, more than a defensive retreat, this could be a ploy to get the nascent Palaniswami regime into a political whirlpool and force it to fall back on the Centre for its patronage.
“Palaniswami faces three immediate tests: Harmonising AIADMK’s internal volatility to prevent more desertions before the trust vote, isolating Panneerselvam by inking a tactical pact with rebel MLAs and MPs to reinforce his party’s numbers to prevent any destabilising plot of DMK and humouring the Centre, by offering loyalty and tactical support,” according to a TN-based politician.
Though allies, DMK and Congress appear to have different priorities in dealing with political flux. For the Congress, the main concern is preventing the AIADMK falling into the lap of the NDA regime and shaping the best strategy for its motley eight MLAs during the forthcoming trust vote.
“I am sure no MLA in the assembly wants a mid-term poll. I don’t think the Congress MLAs have to necessarily vote against the trust motion,” PCC chief Thirunavukkarasar told ET. Congress MP Sudershan Natchiappan added: “The Modi government’s game with Panneerselvam has failed.
Now the Centre must not try to manipulate the Palaniswami government.”
But priorities are different for the DMK. It is likely to look for an opportunity to split the ‘Amma-less’ AIADMK and force political realignment by tapping the midterm poll fears of MLAs. “Naturally, the DMK will vote against the trust motion. Once the captive AIADMK MLAs are freed, we are sure many more will desert AIADMK,” said DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan.
The incarceration of Sasikala and coronation of Palaniswami, hence, is only likely to intensify the power-games in Chennai the coming days and weeks.
It could see the beginning of a new phase of manoeuvering by various stake-holders within AIADMK, the Opposition DMK-Congress and the BJP-led Centre, as each try to tilt the political scene to their respective advantage, especially with the presidential polls scheduled for July.
For chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the real challenge will be to take his government forward without a charismatic leader who has traditionally powered the AIADMK.
It was the magnetic attraction to Jayalalithaa, and earlier MG Ramachandran, which kept a party of hero-worshipping supporters a united fighting force against DMK since 1972.
Whether the uncertain perch of power alone would provide the adhesive to `Amma-orphaned’ AIADMK leaders and supporters to stick together is the question that is engaging many politicians today.
Swearing in of Team Palaniswami can be interpreted as the power players in Delhi conceding that its first choice Pannerselvam was incapable of turning the tide in his favour.
But, more than a defensive retreat, this could be a ploy to get the nascent Palaniswami regime into a political whirlpool and force it to fall back on the Centre for its patronage.
“Palaniswami faces three immediate tests: Harmonising AIADMK’s internal volatility to prevent more desertions before the trust vote, isolating Panneerselvam by inking a tactical pact with rebel MLAs and MPs to reinforce his party’s numbers to prevent any destabilising plot of DMK and humouring the Centre, by offering loyalty and tactical support,” according to a TN-based politician.
Though allies, DMK and Congress appear to have different priorities in dealing with political flux. For the Congress, the main concern is preventing the AIADMK falling into the lap of the NDA regime and shaping the best strategy for its motley eight MLAs during the forthcoming trust vote.
“I am sure no MLA in the assembly wants a mid-term poll. I don’t think the Congress MLAs have to necessarily vote against the trust motion,” PCC chief Thirunavukkarasar told ET. Congress MP Sudershan Natchiappan added: “The Modi government’s game with Panneerselvam has failed.
Now the Centre must not try to manipulate the Palaniswami government.”
But priorities are different for the DMK. It is likely to look for an opportunity to split the ‘Amma-less’ AIADMK and force political realignment by tapping the midterm poll fears of MLAs. “Naturally, the DMK will vote against the trust motion. Once the captive AIADMK MLAs are freed, we are sure many more will desert AIADMK,” said DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan.
The incarceration of Sasikala and coronation of Palaniswami, hence, is only likely to intensify the power-games in Chennai the coming days and weeks.
