‘In TN, contest is only between DMK and AIADMK’

Only the two main Dravidian parties — the DMK and the AIADMK — matter in the Parliamentary elections in Tamil Nadu, asserts MK Stalin, DMK Treasurer, who is spearheading the party’s election campaign.

Stalin is relaxed, as Business Line meets him in Cuddalore, 170 km south of Chennai. None of the pressures of leading a campaign shows. Stalin modestly refuses to acknowledge that he is spearheading the campaign.

As ever, it is led by

Kalaignar , his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi, he says. Shortly after 3.30 pm he walks into a room packed with party supporters. They line up to greet him, presenting shawls. Some fall at his feet, but he firmly tells them not to. The ritual ends.

He sits down for a brief interaction with

R Balaji . Questions have been emailed a couple of days earlier and his staff has instructed that he will answer some of them and responses for others will be emailed.

The Thalapathy (general), as his supporters refer to him, will not answer any questions relating to the face-off with his brother MK Alagiri, who has been expelled from the party.

Excerpts from the interview:

What is the primary issue that the DMK is targeting in the elections?

We are highlighting the anti-people policies of the AIADMK during the past three years it has been in power. The DMK is seeking people’s support to bring to power a secular government at the Centre. These are the two platforms on which the party has positioned itself.

The DMK is known for forming electoral strong alliances. Is it a concern that it has not partnered with any national party this time?

The DMK has been in power five times in Tamil Nadu, the party is led by the 90-year-old Kalaignar who has faced 16 Parliamentary elections.

It is seeking the people’s support on the strength of people-friendly policies it implemented whenever it was in power in the State. When it has been a part of the alliance at the Centre it has brought in development schemes that benefitted the people. Voters welcome DMK candidates in every constituency. This will ensure the party wins all the 40 Parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

How will the multi-cornered contest affect the DMK’s chances?

The contest is only between the DMK and the AIADMK. People want a secular, stable government at the Centre.

Every time the DMK supported a government at the Centre in the past 43 years it has always stood for stability and nurtured the secular character of the government. This trustworthiness of the DMK will make people vote for it.

Look at the AIADMK’s record. It was responsible for bringing down a BJP government.

You are spearheading the DMK campaign this time. Can you share your experience and view on the level of acceptance within the party and the public in general?

During our campaign we felt people’s regret for voting against the DMK in the last (2011 Assembly) elections. This will be reflected against the AIADMK now. The people and DMK party workers recognise my service as Mayor of Chennai, Local Administration Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

Will there be a post-poll alliance and what will be the DMK’s stand? Karunanidhi has hinted at the possibility of a tie-up with the Congress…

A post-election alliance is needed only for those dreaming of becoming the prime minister. But the DMK, as already announced by Kalaignar, is a party that makes prime ministers.

Our leader has emphasised that the DMK wishes for a secular government at the Centre. Following the elections such a government led by a prime minister identified by Kalaignar will form the government.

Will the controversy surrounding the 2G scam and the dispute within your family have an impact?

Do you not see the disproportionate accumulation of wealth case against Jayalalithaa being played out in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Bangalore? People are against the Jayalalithaa government. They are ready to teach her a lesson. No ‘G’ will have an impact on the DMK.

What will be the DMK’s direction in the coming years?

The DMK has always fought for social justice. It will continue to so at the central government level.

Once it brings to power a secular government at the Centre, the DMK’s primary goal will be to bring to light the inefficiencies of the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu and work to free the State from AIADMK rule.

The Jayalalithaa government has blocked key infrastructure projects like the Sethusamudram Canal project and the Maduravoyal elevated road project and handicapped the economic development of the State.

How is the DMK addressing young voters and their aspirations?

The DMK is a movement that has always grown with the support of the youth. It was the DMK government which first created IT infrastructure (Tidel Park) in Chennai.

Kalaignar was instrumental in bringing in a management institute in Tiruchi and a central university in Thiruvarur.