Chennai

Having PMK and VCK in its kitty in 2011 might not have helped DMK then, but it is certainly helping the party now. DMK district secretaries seem to have worked out a ‘secret’ pact with Vanniyar and Dalit outfits wherever they face challenge in northern districts either from VCK in DMDK-PWF-TMC front or PMK, which is going it alone this Assembly election. The DMK high command is also said to have given its nod to the proposal as it could foresee the splitting of votes in more than three ways with the third front and Seeman’s Naam Tamizhar Katchi making inroads in northern districts. 

DMK cadre have kept their election rhetoric in the north quite simple. “If the segment is PMK stronghold, remind the Dalit voters there of Marakkanam and Seshasamudiram clashes to defeat Anbumani and company. Wherever the Dalits have a strong footing, rake up cancellation of Chithirai festival and urge voters to choose DMK over PMK to ensure Thirumalavavan’s defeat,” says a party functionary requesting anonymity. 

Political analyst Ravindran Doraisamy says, “DMK realised immediately after 2011 polls that bonhomie between PMK and VCK leaders does not translate into votes. So, it is trying OBC polarisation against Dalits and vice versa. All Vanniyars and Dalits don’t owe allegiance to PMK and VCK respectively. Also, presence of VCK will turn OBC voters away from DMDK. DMK is exploiting this scenario.” 

He also reasoned that PMK has antagonised non-Vanniyar OBC votes by fielding Vanniyars throughout Cuddalore and Dharampuri. “This is where the DMK may have played its cards well. Stalin has fielded Vanniyars only wherever it is imperative and elsewhere he has fielded other intermediary castes like Naidus and Mudaliars,” Doraisamy reasoned. Not the least, but the caste formula could also mean cost-effective for DMK, considering that the party is spending frugally on community leaders instead of splashing cash on voters.

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