Landslide for DMK in TN Urban Civic Polls, Wrests Kongu Region from AIADMK

There is no stopping the DMK juggernaut as it continues its winning streak, in the company of its allies. In what could be a reversal of electoral fortunes, the ruling party eclipsed the principal opposition AIADMK in the Kongu region of western Tamil Nadu, considered an impregnable fort of the later, writes ETV Bharat's MC Rajan.

Chennai:Victory is always sweet and when it becomes a trend for the DMK, it is sweeter. There is no looking back for the Dravidian major since the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the subsequent 2021 assembly elections. In the elections for the urban local bodies (ULB), held after 11 years, the ruling party has registered a thumping victory, even in the Kongu region, a citadel of the AIADMK. With the electorate sailing with Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK keeping the alliance intact, the party has regained its political standing in the State.

Confirming the worst fears of the principal opposition AIADMK, which dragged its feet on holding the polls apprehensive of a washout, the results did not come as a surprise. It had not only lost its stronghold, western Tamil Nadu, known as the Kongu belt comprising 10 districts including Coimbatore and Tirupur, but has been relegated as a marginal player. The dual leadership of EPS and OPS faced a near rout in their native districts of Salem and Theni. The party has been left to lick the wounds suffered in successive elections.

The DMK faced the civic polls together with the Congress, VCK of Thol Thirumavalavan, CPI, CPI(M), MDMK of Vaiko and Muslim parties and a few other smaller parties. Though there were minor irritants in seat sharing carried out at the district-level, there was no heartburn as the DMK leadership was conscious of the need to preserve the secular combine. Stalin too credited the allies for the huge victory during the media interaction at party headquarters Anna Arivalayam after most of the results had come.

The victory, he said, was a recognition and vindication of the 'Dravidian model of development' and a certificate for the nine-month-long rule of the DMK government. For the DMK president, the party securing a crushing win against the arch rival, AIADMK, in the Kongu region, was something very special. And the efforts the DMK leadership had put in by focusing on the region has paid handsomely. He explained that this was due to the achievements of the DMK government. “I will strive hard to keep the trust the people have reposed in me. The huge victory has not given arrogance, but placed more responsibility,” he said and urged the elected representatives to work with sincerity and dedication.

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The BJP, which ploughed a lonely furrow, has made marginal gains. While the DMK has secured more than a majority in the 200-ward Chennai Corporation, the BJP opened its account with Uma Anandan, who courted controversy with her support for Nathuram Godse. The party was leading in 3 town panchayats (out of 489). In its traditional strongholds of Kanniyakumari and Coimbatore, the party could not make much of an impact as expected. But, it has fared better than the OBC Vanniyar dominant Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), which too faced the elections on its own. The BJP tally was a little over 300. In town panchayats, it secured 230 wards, in municipalities 56 and in corporations 15.

Once again film personalities with political ambitions have been shown their place. Versatile actor Kamal Hassan's Makkal Needhi Maiam faced a complete rout, despite the movie icon's spirited campaign towards the fag end of the elections. Even Kollywood monarch Vijay's Makkal Iyakkam too fell by the wayside, winning only a few wards.

Money power was on full display in this election, turning the dance of democracy into a highly monetised one. According to reports from across the state, the cash for vote syndrome has become entrenched. Besides cash, in districts like Coimbatore, Karur and Dharmapuri and elsewhere voters were given sarees, gold and silver coins. Every party is complicit in this, though each blames the rivals, say anti-corruption activists.