Strike call set to be show of strength, popularity

Political observers feel that the success of the bandh would be great victory for the DMK at a time when there is uncertainty in the AIADMK, which is now divided and struggling to achieve a merger. 

“Further, the call given by VCK’s Thirumavalavan and seconded by both the Left parties would grow louder. Whether it is Assembly elections, whose possibility seems to be bright now because of the rumblings within the ruling dispensation, or the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK would get a chance to form a mega alliance and prove to become tough challenger to both the BJP and AIADMK,” says Ganesan Subramanian, a political observer and a cost accountant. 

Seconding this view, Thiagarajan, a social media and election analyst, says, “AIADMK (Amma) is now facing a host of problems both within the party and in the government, due to the split. They have to somehow ensure that the DMK-called strike does not evoke a good response and at the same time see to it that the day passes off peacefully.” 

“But, what the ruling party faction can boast of at this juncture is Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy’s meeting with farmers in New Delhi on Sunday and the subsequent withdrawal of agitation by the protesters. Though the April 25 shutdown is for the farmers’ cause, the strike call has been given by the main opposition, so both the camps of AIADMK won’t be able to extend support to it,” says Thiagarajan. 

But, Velavan, a AIADMK functionary in the city, says, “The mega alliance (Opposition) won’t be successful. Both Congress and the Left have been rejected in several states, which went to the polls recently. Since, the Left and the VCK have no significant representation either in the Assembly or in Parliament, they may try to ride on the popularity of the DMK.” 

So, the response to Tuesday’s strike seems to be of major political significance for both the AIADMK and DMK.