Dissatisfaction with DMK continues… parties leaving the alliance…? Special view…!

After coming to power in 2021, the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) formed an alliance with several political parties, including Congress, the Manidhaneya Makkal Katchi, the MDMK, the VCK, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and others. However, over the past three years, the alliance partners, who initially played a supporting role to the DMK, are now expressing dissatisfaction with the governance, particularly as the next election approaches. This shift in their stance has led to criticism and the release of statements against the DMK government. Let’s look at the reasons behind the dissatisfaction and the political ramifications for the parties involved.

Formation of the DMK Alliance:

In the 2021 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly elections, the DMK, under the leadership of M.K. Stalin, contested in an alliance with several political parties, including Congress, MDMK, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), Tamilaga Vazhvoorimai Katchi, and Manidhaneya Makkal Katchi. The alliance was formed based on the common goal of defeating the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), which had been in power for nearly ten years.

• Alliance Success:
  The DMK-led alliance won the elections by a landslide, and many of its alliance candidates were elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. This victory was attributed to the DMK’s strong organizational structure, its promises of welfare schemes, and its ability to unite various political parties under its banner.
• Support to Alliance Partners:
  The DMK provided significant support to its alliance partners, including financial aid and campaign resources, which helped them win their seats in the assembly. This solidarity continued for the first few years of the DMK government.

Dissatisfaction of Alliance Partners:

However, after three years of governance, some of the alliance parties have begun expressing their dissatisfaction with the DMK’s administration, particularly with regard to its policies and governance. This has led to a series of criticisms and statements aimed at the DMK government.

1. Criticisms of Governance:
   • Failure to Meet Expectations:
     Several alliance parties have claimed that the DMK government has not lived up to the promises made during the elections. Issues such as economic management, infrastructure development, and public welfare schemes are among the key concerns.
   • Governance Style:
     The alliance parties have also criticized the DMK government’s approach to handling political issues, citing delays in decision-making and lack of effective communication with other parties in the coalition.
2. Protests and Restrictions on Public Gatherings:
   • Some of the alliance parties, especially the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) led by Thirumavalavan, have raised concerns about the restrictions placed on public protests and gatherings. These protests are aimed at the DMK government for failing to take action on issues that affect marginalized communities.
   • Internal Disputes:
     The suspension of Adhav Arjuna, a leader from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and his subsequent departure from the party has created a rift in the alliance. Thirumavalavan has voiced his dissatisfaction by organizing events like the alcohol prohibition conference and positioning himself as a challenger to the DMK.
3. The Communist Parties’ Criticism:
   • The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have strongly criticized the DMK government’s actions, particularly regarding the handling of labor protests and issues related to workers’ rights.
   • Samsung Workers’ Protest:
     The DMK government’s handling of the Samsung workers’ protest caused a significant backlash among the Communist parties, as they felt that the government was slow in addressing the workers’ grievances.
4. Delayed Actions and Bureaucratic Red Tape:
   • One of the most significant complaints from the alliance parties is the DMK government’s slow response to urgent issues. They have argued that the government is slow in granting permissions for public gatherings and protests, and this delay in action has led to growing frustration among the alliance partners.
5. Policy Decisions and Implementation:
   • The DMK’s decision to partner with private organizations in the development of public schools has faced criticism from not only the Communist parties but also from other alliance members. These parties argue that such decisions go against the ethos of public welfare and undermine the rights of the people.

The Election Strategy:

As the 2024 elections approach, the alliance partners seem to be positioning themselves to strengthen their political standing. The criticism of the DMK may also be part of a larger strategy to:

• Gain More Seats:
  Some alliance partners are likely trying to increase their share of the seats in the upcoming elections by distancing themselves from the DMK government’s failures. They may be preparing to contest more constituencies, demanding a larger share of seats in the election.
• Political Leverage:
  By criticizing the DMK and showing their dissatisfaction with its governance, the alliance parties aim to gain more political leverage within the coalition. This may help them negotiate better terms for their participation in the election.

Future Political Landscape:

The growing dissatisfaction among the alliance parties has the potential to change the political dynamics in Tamil Nadu:

• Possibility of a Split in the Alliance:
  Some parties are already considering leaving the alliance, while others are trying to renegotiate their terms. This could lead to a breakup of the current alliance, which would significantly alter the balance of power in Tamil Nadu politics.
• Increased Political Competition:
  The increasing discontent with the DMK could lead to a more competitive political environment, with other opposition parties, such as the AIADMK, attempting to capitalize on the dissatisfaction among the electorate.
• New Alliances:
  As the elections approach, we may see the emergence of new political alliances, with parties either strengthening their existing coalitions or breaking away to form new alliances. The shifting allegiances and political maneuvers will play a significant role in shaping the election outcome.

Conclusion:

The growing dissatisfaction of the DMK’s alliance partners is a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. As the 2024 elections approach, the parties within the alliance are recalibrating their strategies to secure better deals for themselves. While some may choose to remain in the alliance and work towards electoral success, others are likely to distance themselves from the DMK to gain political leverage. This shift in political dynamics highlights the challenges that the DMK government will face in the coming months as it navigates the demands and expectations of its coalition partners.