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Udhayanidhi Stalin’s meteoric rise has put him in a strong position within a resurgent DMK

- LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN

He has not spoken about Dravidian ideology, Periyar or social justice. He has not written long letters to his followers through Murasoli, the mouthpiece of the DMK, like his grandfather, former chief minister M. Karunanidhi, used to do. He also did not rise through the DMK’s ranks like his father, party president M.K. Stalin. Yet, Udhayanidhi Stalin has become the party’s poster boy.

Udhayanidhi, a film producer-actor-politician, loves the DMK, and, evidently, the spotlight. “Vote for the DMK,” he says, flashing his signature smile from a campaign vehicle in north Tamil Nadu. He explains why: “If you vote for the DMK, your MLA will go to the assembly. If you vote for the AIADMK, your MLA will either join the BJP or go to Koovathur (location of the resort where AIADMK MLAs elected Chief Minister E.K. Palaniswami).” The crowd around the vehicle relishes this dig at political rivals. Udhayanidhi goes on to attack the incumbent cabinet with creative monikers and the crowd goes berserk.

Though his speeches lack the rhetoric flourishes common in old-school Dravidian politics, Udhayanidhi has found a different path to popular support—every meeting he participates in is interactive. This helps him connect emotionally with people. He also ensures that he is articulate and relatable.