In the recently held Thughlak annual event, while discussing the possibility of Sasikala faction joining the AIADMK – BJP coalition, Gurumurthy made a statement. Quoting Shourie, he tactfully mentioned that sometimes to put out the fire, one has to depend on the drainage water if need arises, and can’t wait for the water from Ganges.  He cited a precedent when Arun Shourie said same thing in the context of Goenka’s attempt to bring down the regime of Rajiv Gandhi who had a brute majority of 400 plus seats. Their team took the help of Chadraswamy in trying to bring down the Government, and Shourie said this in the current context. 

The logic of using drainage water for putting out fire is well taken. But, what if it turns out to be a toxic chemical waste. It will only further fuel the fire. We can’t throw anything that comes to hand even during emergency. One will end up with naught in the end.

Why Revive Sasikala 

What is the need to bring back Sasikala in active politics and that too as part of prospective winning combination? The State is slowly settling down after getting out of the shadow of legacy of Dravidian rule on one side and charismatic rule on other side, and is looking for fresh leadership. The present CM has fairly well consolidated his position both within the party and in the State. AIADMK has regained its vote base whereas the DMK is losing in the perception battle. The State is indeed disappointed with Rajini announcing his withdrawal but now is looking for beyond during his absence. Let us not throw spanner in the works so far.  People deserve a break.

What people are looking for is fresh narratives and free atmosphere to conduct elections and businesses. People remember vividly the 1996 election narratives and the direction the State was taking and it is better that the leaders don’t forget it. Let us not forget the statements by Cho and Rajini then. Why pave way for the resurrection of the past?

Am sure there will be people in AIADMK who will be missing old times and they will be lamenting their loss of good old days. For them falling at the feet of resurrected leader is a small price they have to pay for the territory they would be reigning. Too much at stake for them and this will be last ditch battle for the remnants of the old guards. Anything that gives them hope or helps them see green shots is doomsday for the State. Nothing has changed in the last three years; to change one’s opinion about the people who lost the saddle. Even weeds start as green shoots.

Coalition Strength

The coalition should push the agenda of development, citizen centric administration, and corruption less government. The present Government has made itself easily accessible and people friendly. The present CM has not only proved his administrative skill but has also displayed mastery of survival through deft moves. The CM is easily accessible to bureaucrats as well as the general public. The bureaucrats are breathing free and are feeling empowered. The Central Government has made its name for corruption free Government. The coalition should push this combo. To a large extent the anti-incumbency factor has been blunted. Last thing we need is to bring back the old guards. I see no reason for the ruling coalition to surrender the advantage for an incremental advantage. If indeed the goal is to win the election and defeat DMK, why create doubts about the ability of this coalition?

Let old AIADMK pave way for new AIADMK, and even old DMK for the new DMK, and not from the family again. Even EPS should focus on reinventing new AIADMK than reviving old AIADMK. AIADMK has already consolidated its position and BJP has gained considerably. Stage is all set for Modi wave in Tamil Nadu and the party should focus on leveraging his name and charisma. It just requires few visits by him. They should play on the strength of this combination than depending on few local fiefdoms. Cadres will flock even if leaders cling to the old order. BJP should follow the strategy of Pandavaas who banked on leadership and tactics than Kauravaas who believed in the numerical strength of the force and went about forming alliances with smaller kings. Finally, leadership skills and tactics won over the numerical strength.

Point for Reflection

Tamil Nadu has so far been lulled into slumber for decades with the dose of philosophies and offer of freebees. Tamilians are showing signs of awakening. They have to be shown the  futuristic vision than treading the beaten path. Painting it as a battle between evil vs virtue is not going to fly and nobody believes. The narratives have to be presented in modern terms. People have been under the maya of debilitative anti narratives. What Tamil Nadu needs is awakening from slumber and not propaganda again. Short term gains cannot be at the cost of long-term strategies. Tamilians need genuine leadership and not mere white knights.   

 Image Credits: The Mckendree Review

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