CHENNAI: Growing resentment among the rank and file of the DMDK has forced party leader Vijayakanth's wife Premalatha out of party functions and intra-party discussions. Most partymen attribute Vijayakanth's decision to align with People's Welfare Alliance to the influence wielded by Premalatha on party affairs. Even before the Assembly elections, dissidents headed by party's former whip V.C. Chandrakumar alleged the alliance decision was taken by Premalatha. However, those within the party did not openly come out against Premalatha, who was addressed as 'Anniyaar' in party circles.
However, after the debacle in the Assembly elections in which the DMDK lost all the 104 seats it contested and came third only in 46 constituencies, voices had grown stronger against Premalatha wielding such influence on the organisation. Political analysts too blamed the party's rout on the family politics followed by its leader. Most DMDK district secretaries, who discussed the reasons for the debacle, requested their leader to snap ties with PWA. However, Premalatha stuck to her stand and justified the alliance decision at a marriage function at Karaikudi last month.
Her declaration that the DMDK would be firm in the path it had chosen, fuelled more resentment against her in the party. Hundreds of partymen, including district secretaries, began leaving the party, despite appeals by Vijayakanth to stay with him. The deserters too charged that Vijayakanth is no more in control of the party, triggering unrest in the party. The unceasing exodus and questions over the very existence of DMDK seems to have put pressure on Vijayakanth, once described as the 'kingmaker' in Tamil Nadu politics.
During the recent intra-party meetings and the Ifthar party hosted by DMDK, Premalatha was absent. It is not known if Premalatha voluntarily took the decision to save the remains of the party or Vijayakanth had taken a decision to keep his family out of politics. It is also debated by party functionaries whether the withdrawal of Premalatha is temporary or she has quit politics altogether.
Political analyst 'Aazhi' Senthilnathan doubted if Premalatha's withdrawal could be permanent, besides expressing the opinion that her withdrawal alone could revive the party. “Premalatha could have decided to withdraw temporarily to pacify the cadres. Besides, the party was defeated since Vijayakanth lost his popularity and credibility. So, a revival will depend on how he works on issues to mobilise people's support and his political strategy. Given his past track record, it will be a miracle if he makes a comeback in State politics,” he concluded.
