CM - in Style

Sun, is he?
Moon, is he?
Who is he?
Respond quickly.

The recent developments in the Indian politics at the federal levels has pushed me to the edge of the seat.
1. The bon-hommie between Amma and Thalaivar.
2. Amma's elevaion to the Convenor of the Third Front.
3. The split between DM and K.
4. Karunanidhi turning 84.
5. The recent interview of CB Naidu and Superstar Rajnikanth duing the Hyderabad screening of Sivaji.

For a long time Amma has been struggling to find a trustworthy partner within her party. Initially she tried to work with Thirunavukarasu. Then she roped in Sarath Kumar. But nothing worked for her. She was forced to install O. Paneerselvam, a virtually unknown first-time MLA, to protect her party from being hijacked during her Supreme Court enforced sabbatical. While he was loyal enough , his charisma didn't help the party. For the next election, she resorted to ally with long-time enemy Vaiko, which proved costly in the rural areas.

Today, her time off the power has given her time to think and I believe she has come out with a better strategy. I suspect an unofficial MoU between Amma and superstar Rajnikanth that would see Amma focussing more on the National politics taking on her other arch-rival from the Pizza Corner, leaving the state to a trustworthy neighbour from the Poes Garden.
Rajnikanth's interest in politics is know. However his inability to decide on

"when to enter, how to enter, nobody knows"

as he says, has been the problem for his fans. But with Sivaji's success looming large, is it the "right time to enter". Can Amma use Rajni to rope in Dayanidi Maran to consolidate her position and take an aim at the bigger chair.

The presidential race is the first test for her at the national level. She sprang a surprise on DMK and Congress by nominating the incumbent for another term inspite of the NDA nominating Shekawat as their choice. Now DMK, whose superemo, played a big hand in nominating the lacklustre Prathiba Patil, is put in a fix. He cannot afford to not support a Tamil Muslim, being the saviour of the minorities and Tamil that he claims to be. Infact he is obligated to convince the Congress to reconsider their stance on Abdul Kalam, who in all fairness deserves a unanimous second-term notwithstanding his lack of spine to contest in an election. This is a master move by JJ. When Naidu proposed Kalam, the first time around, he was hailed as the King maker. Now, Amma has gone further by doing damage to the opponent territory. If all unfolds as planned in the next two years - Naidu will be Andhra CM and Superstart will be his Tamilnadu counterpart. The UNPA with its strong southern victory can launch Amma as the Prime Minister with a few horse-tradings taken care of.

Rajni who

"never goes back on his words or reclaims the materials he donates"

will be loyal to her, she knows. This will allow her to fight the bigger fight without fear of losing her position in the state. MK Stalin will be watching all this with his brother from behind the jail. I hope Rajni considers me for a MLA seat. I am willing to play the role of the NRI pilanthrophist that he so wanted to be in Sivaji - The Boss.

Sivaji - Mudhalvan

Dayanidhi Maran has been made the scapegoat of the Stalin-Alagiri showdown that brought to light the extent of power-struggle going on behid the scenes. With Karunanidhi's kidneys losing the motor by the day, the tussle for power reminds me of this old Tamil saying;

Appan eppo saavan, thinnai eppo gaali aagum.

Until now Maran has been very polished and careful not to react emotionally. The next few days, he will be spending weighing his political aspirations against his brother's media moghul status which he shares to a great extent; before coming out with his next move. This may take as long as June 3rd before we get to know what is really going on.

Will he join Amma to form a DMJ or will he join Captain to form a DMVJ all in the interest of keeping his business including the Sumangali Cable network afloat?

This will be interesting to see, because both Karunanidhi and his wife have significant stakes in SUN TV. It also shares office space in the DMK office, which should be no big deal for Maran as the uplink happens from VSNL to Manila (based on my old information).

If he joins Amma, SUNTV will take over Jaya TV only for the duo to split when they part ways after a couple of years. If the nexus happens, that will spell death knell for Kalaignar's Dravidian politics that has been an hobson choice ever since the Indian Independence except for a few years here from Rajaji and a few years there from Bakthavatchalam and Kamarajar. Even MGR and Amma had to allign themselves to Dravidian theology to garner public support. As Karunanidhi fades, will go with him -the hardline Periyar philosophy - springing several options open in the air. DMK will split into hundred small parties like how Duryodana's head split into 100 Kaurava's in MahaBharatha. It is all gain for Amma unless a determined Vijaykanth makes a few smart moves. Or spare a thought for the Rajinikanth factor...

Naan eppo varuven, eppadi varuvennu yaarukkum theriyadhu;
Aana vara vendiya nerathila kandippa varuven

Sivaji - the boss, who missed out his oppurtunity, the last time around, when Shankar offered him the lead in Mudhalvan, will also be watching like an eagle for the right time to jump in. If Sivaji comes anywhere close to Chandramuki in box office, Rajini will launch in style. Overnight, entire TN will reallign itself behind SUPERSTAR barring a few fanatics belonging to PMK and Dalit Panthers.

Finally,I am running for office under his banner. Afterall I am the first to speculate thalaivar's Chief Ministership for the next 20 years in Tamilnadu. I deserve atleast a MLA ticket if not a minister post. I am buying two Premier Veshti's for Diwali.