NEW DELHI: She may not be known outside Tamil Nadu, but it is Premalatha who may influence the outcome of the coming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. As DMK and AIADMK prepare for the poll battle, the role of the wife of `Captain` Vijayakanth who heads the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has become crucial. Premalatha is a huge influence on the politics of Vijayakanth, and is the reason why the actor-turned politician is tilting towards having a partnership with Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK.
DMDK has emerged as a balancing factor, having polled around 10% votes in the last LS polls when Vijayakanth decided not to be part of either of the two alliances. In the process, analysts feel, he helped DMK by taking away votes that were arrayed against the ruling combine.
A key factor in the DMDK`s power dispensation, Premalatha had played a crucial role in drawing up the party`s poll strategy and detailing her husband`s campaign programme in both the 2006 assembly elections and 2009 Lok Sabha elections when Vijayakanth decided to go it alone.
DMDK sources confirm that for the coming elections, it was Premalatha who convinced her husband that aligning with Jayalalithaa`s AIADMK was imperative to keep the cadre morale up and build the party besides the possibility of playing a role in the state administration.
Congress leaders recognize the importance of the `Captain` factor, saying he may help Jayalalithaa neutralize the advantages DMK has — a well-looked-after cadre and goodwill from populist schemes.
"It can give AIADMK an advantage of 1-1.5%," conceded a party functionary involved in the Congress planning for polls. Congress is confident of doing well in four other poll-bound states — West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry — but it is getting reconciled to the possibility that Premalatha leaning towards Jayalalithaa can deny them the 5:0 scoreline.
Congress strategists reckon that an impressive performance in the assembly elections can help the party beat back the perception of loss of sheen.
Congress plans to demand a share in power if the DMK-led alliance is voted to power yet again, realizing that a share in the spoils of office is necessary to maintain the morale of the cadre in a state where party has been without power for decades.
The rival TN combines hope to work out the nitty-gritty of seat-sharing in the next couple of days. While negotiations between Jayalalithaa and Premalatha are in the final stage, DMK and Congress hold their final round from Wednesday. Congress is insisting on 60 seats, but is reconciled to having to settle for less.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
No comments:
Post a Comment