India

Amma-less AIADMK losing ground in Tamil Nadu?

Jul 27, 2018, 2:39 PM IST

Clouds of gloom which surrounded AIADMK post-Jayalalithaa's demise still have not left the party's abode. Several developments that are taking place with each passing day indicate that the party might witness a downfall in the near future. 

One of the prime factors that are digging AIADMK's grave is the infamous long-standing disproportionate case which has now started haunting the top brass of the party including the deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, O Paneerselvam. The throne of the party which was left behind by Amma still craves for the real leader. In an electoral survey done by AZ Research Partners, 39 per cent of the voters strongly feel that there is a leadership vacuum in the state post the end of amma's reign. This sentiment among the people is further concreted by the weak stature of O Paneerselvam who lacks hugely in the kind of mass appeal that Amma owned. His indecisiveness in pressing issues and the disgruntlement among the party members are also not hidden from the people of Tamil Nadu which is just negatively propelling the party to it's nemesis. Talking about discontentment, TTV Dinakaran's presence has already shaken the AIADMK's foundation in Tamil Nadu as 22 per cent of people strongly agree that TTV has significantly weakened the party. With 18 per cent of the state's populace unhappy with the present govt, TTV's chances of emerging as the leader just seem meaty.

To make things worse for AIADMK, the new entrants in politics, Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan enjoy a massive fan following in the state. According to the survey, about 40 per cent of the TN voters are ardent fans of the Thalaivar here as 30 percent are Kamal fans. Will AIADMK be able to survive this crisis or will it reduce to a minority party?