Tamil Nadu: Are Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan the new poster-boys of the state's politics?

AIADMK and DMK have ruled Tamil Nadu politics for over half a century. However, after J Jayalalithaa's demise and Karunanidhi retiring from active politics, a political vacuum has been created.

At a time when there were no alternatives to AIADMK and DMK, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan entered Tamil Nadu politics.

An exclusive survey was done by AZ Research Partners all over Tamil Nadu with 11,691 interviews between 24 June and 30 June to determine the now changing political landscape of the State.

Based on the study's results, Rajinikanth appears to have a larger impact than Kamal Haasan.

Rajinikanth's spiritual politics has gained wide acceptance among the populace. Around 11% across the State supports Rajinikanth while Kamal enjoys support from only 4%.

19% of voters in Chennai zone said they supported Rajini while in both central and western Tamil Nadu 12% voters back “Thalaiva”.

9% voters in south Tamil Nadu and 7% in the northern districts support Rajinikanth.

The survey's results will shock those politicians who earlier claimed that Rajinikanth's entry will have no impact in State's politics.

While Rajinikanth is building his own base, on the other hand DMK is gaining an upper hand over AIADMK.

In AIADMK's stronghold, the Kongu region (western Tamil Nadu), the party's influence has declined, whereas the DMK vote bank has remained almost constant.

While AIADMK enjoyed 45% vote share in west Tamil Nadu in 2014 elections, it is projected to be at 30% for 2019 elections.

DMK had 25% vote share in 2014 elections and is projected to fall to 24%, a mere 1% decrease.

There is overwhelming support for the north and central regions for DMK. In the central districts it is 36% and 34% in the northern districts support DMK. MK Stalin's party will deal a blow to AIADMK in these regions, claims the survey.

Chennai region is considered DMK's bastion. 23% of voters will support DMK and 28% will support AIADMK. Rajinikanth's popularity in Chennai will have a major impact on the vote share of both AIADMK and DMK in the region.

From the survey, it can be concluded that in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, DMK has an upper hand over AIADMK. 

29% of voters across Tamil Nadu are predicted to support DMK while AIADMK's support stands at 27% compared to Rajinikanth's 11%. The superstar will be the man to look out for, thanks to the influence he holds over the masses.