Chennai (Tamil Nadu): It looks like christening before birth and fans and supporters of iconic actor Rajinikanth are already on cloud nine. On the other hand, cadres and functionaries of MNM of Kamal Hassan are puzzled. The reason being the Election Commission (EC) announcing symbols for unrecognised parties. The MSK's application to the EC, mentioning the name of Rajinikanth, has been granted 'autorickshaw' from the pool of free symbols. In the case of MNM, the poll panel had allowed it to use 'torch light' only in Puducherry and not in Tamil Nadu.
As soon as the news broke out, it was celebration all along in the Rajinikanth camp with enthusiastic fans bursting crackers and distributing sweets across the state, only to be advised by the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), to wait for the official announcement. Interestingly, the RMM statement chose not to deny the news. On the contrary, the mood though not gloomy was sombre in MNM.
The different yardsticks applied in the allocation of symbols has not gone unnoticed and has raised eyebrows. Hassan's party had secured around 4% vote share in the last LS poll and was hoping to put up an improved show in the assembly election a few months away. As such, there was disappointment among his supporters.
“We have written to the EC seeking allotment of torch light on November 17 itself. As per the earlier rule which was in force till 2015, unrecognised parties can contest on a symbol for only one election. Now, it has been changed so that parties can contest in two elections and hence we were hopeful,” said R Rangarajan, senior MNM functionary and former IAS officer.
Yet, he maintained that it was not a setback for the party and Hassan would decide on the future course of action.
“Even now, we are hopeful. But then, the party is not dependent upon the symbol. For, it is Kamal and his honesty which remain our symbol,” he said, putting up a brave face.
While MSK has been awarded autorisckshaw, the party had sought for the 'hasta mudra' (Forefinger and little finger being raised while the thumb holds down the middle and ring fingers), popularised after the actor's movie, 'Baba'. However, the three wheeler has a special significance in Rajinikanth's mass connect as he had played the role of an auto driver in the blockbuster 'Baashha' in which the number 'Naan autokkaaran' was a huge hit.
Interestingly, MSK is the rechristening of Anaithindhia Makkal Sakthi Kazhagam, registered with the EC earlier. The Headquarters of the party is the Chennai residence of RMM Thoothukudi district functionary in suburban Ernavoor.
Analysts are of the view that this clearly has the imprint of the BJP, which is determined to leapfrog in Tamil Nadu politics. “As against the usual tactics of exerting pressure on a party to fall in line or a an alliance partner to concede seats constituencies of its choice, the saffron party has gone a step ahead. It is engaged in deciding the political space for parties and political players. Even in the case of Kamal, the space for negotiation and the demarcation of space still remains,” argues political analyst Aaazhi Senthilnathan.
While admitting that the BJP's hand in this could not be ruled out, R Thirunavukkarasu of University of Hyderabad, reasoned that Kamal had secured the votes not because of his symbol but more because of his appeal and film persona. “Those who vote for Kamal will vote for him. Though he could not make it big, the actor could certainly dent the vote bank of established parties. The symbol issue may not be a setback for him,” explained.
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