K Annamalai – A star eclipsing all in the politics of Tamil Nadu
Mr. Annamalai’s entry into Tamil Nadu politics, after resigning from the post of high profile police officer at a young age, reminds one about the freedom fighters before India’s independence when several highly qualified persons even from low-income families entered politics with high motivation to fight for India’s freedom.
Certainly, even the pledged critics of Mr. Annamalai cannot but agree that he has brought a refreshing political climate to Tamil Nadu, due to his caliber and sense of commitment to the value system, which obviously is of much higher standards than the other political leaders in the state. Several of his public speeches and observations have been scholarly, whether it concerns philosophy or history or economics, or politics.
Need for quality leadership
In the last sixty years or so, Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by Dravidian parties, when political and administrative corruption has gradually and steadily become the order of the day. The social life and harmony in the state have been uprooted by lifting prohibition and in the process, driving large sections of menfolk into liquor addicts. As a result, the life of several women particularly in poor families has almost become like one living in hell, taking beatings from the menfolk.
Of late, violence in public life has increased to an alarming level due to the loss of value systems in public and private life, due to steadily declining state political leadership standards.
The recent east Erode by-election is a case study and immediate example to show the extent of deterioration in the state’s political and social climate and value system.
Obviously, there is an urgent need for quality leadership to restore Tamil Nadu’s glory.
Kamaraj era
In such conditions, the young people, who had not seen or experienced the glorious administration of the former chief minister Mr. Kamaraj before the Dravidian parties came to power, wonder whether such a person like Mr. Kamaraj of great eminence and commitment to probity could have lived in Tamil Nadu and ruled Tamil Nadu with such lofty standards at all.
Certainly, there is a widespread desire and yearning amongst a cross-section of discerning people in Tamil Nadu today that a progressive political climate with value systems with probity and transparency in governance existed in the Kamaraj era. is urgently needed.
Today, there is a compelling need to bring back the glory of Tamil culture and traditions. This would be possible only by replacing the Dravidian parties with alternate leadership of much higher standards and commitment.
What Mr. Annamalai justifiably desires?
When Mr. Annamalai entered Tamil Nadu politics, many people saw his entry with curiosity and disbelief, as the sacrifice of personal interest for the sake of public cause amongst political leaders has become unknown in Tamil Nadu these days.
Certainly, the activities of Mr. Annamalai with the courage of conviction and unbending desire to fight for the rightful cause and backed by a high level of education and knowledge, have caught the imagination of the people.
For the sake of political compulsions, Mr. Annamalai is unwilling to align his party with other parties, some of whose leaders are facing corruption charges.
Mr. Annamalai justifiably thinks that the Kamaraj era can be brought back to Tamil Nadu, only by taking an uncompromising stand on principles and guided by national cause and providing an opportunity for the people to exercise their franchise during the elections based on the need for a value system in public life.
Mr. Annamalai is certainly not interested in taking a short-term look to win elections in 2024 or 2026 for his party. Mr. Annamalai has made it clear that he is willing to put forth the utmost effort and hard work to convince people to vote for his party under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Modi. This is the mental outlook and approach that would reflect the statesmanship quality of a political leader.
Prime Minister should stand by Mr. Annamalai in his quest for probity in public life and share his faith in people’s wisdom if given an opportunity to exercise their franchise
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
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BJP is needed only in deep south of TN. Beyond that, it is a gift for DMK. They will perpetuate Stalin rule.
I would rather see BJP remain a junior partner of ADMK, get their 20 Assembly seats and try to win all those seats, unlike what they achieved in previous election. Learn to be humble before you go on to great things.
Excellent article. Completely agree with the author.