DMDK-PWF’s alliance name triggers debate

‘What’s in a name’ is a popular justification or defence when it comes to effort or success of any mission. But in politics, this may not certainly work out and a classic case for this debate is the PWF/Captain Vijayakant Front

migrator|28 March 2016 10:56 PM IST

DMDK-PWF’s alliance name triggers debate

?Captain Vijayakant Front?

Chennai

Even though the leaders of PWF try hard to play down the controversy surrounding the title of their alliance, it is apparent that both the groups have a tacit understanding to tread their own path.

The first question that arose was whether DMDK became a constituent of PWF or the four-party combine decided to align with Viajayakant’s party.

Though both sides made it clear that they were individual entities and have joined hands only to fight the election with a seat sharing arrangement, some PWF leaders went to the extent of christening the PWF-DMDK combine as ‘Captain Vijayakant’ Front. But some Left leaders were reportedly not pleased with the development.

In fact, there were criticisms from other players in the ensuing electoral battle that the new combine has ditched people’s welfare from their poll agenda with the renaming of their front. Apprehensive over the fate of the name ‘People’s Welfare Front’, Left leaders subsequently stated that the combination would be called DMDK-PWF. But by the time they started firefighting measures to save the title ‘PWF’, ‘Captain Vijayakant Front’ had already reached the electorate.

Premalatha Vijayakant, in the meanwhile, jumped on the defensive, justifying the title saying that a majority of the rural population would be able to recognise Vijayakant easily. And, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan found nothing wrong with the new title having the DMDK leader’s name. Surprisingly, PWF on their Facebook page ‘Makkal Nala Koottani’ continued to assert that the name of the alliance was DMDK-PWF.

Work of minority

“The DMDK and PWF have come together toform a formidable alliance and the ‘controversy’ surrounding the title of thealliance is the work of a minority group who tried to pick holes in ourtie-up,” G Ramakrishnan, CPI(M) State Secretary told DTNext.

He also made it clear that the real issue facing them is todefeat the DMK and AIADMK in the ensuing election. Interestingly, both the DMDKand PWF have started campaigning separately in the southern districts.

They now have put up thier own banners in their meetings orroadshows. “These election campaigns and public meetings were planned by PWFand DMDK even before they formally decided to fight the election together,” aLeft leader commented and added that they would hold joint campaigns andmeetings from April onwards.

Seeds of dissent sown: But some political observers feel that this stance has sown the first seed of dissent or dispute among partners of the PWF. However, they do not see a full justification in Premalatha’s claim about Vijayakant’s popularity among the rural masses as Vaiko, Thirumavalavan and some of the Left leaders are familiar faces in the districts. Badri Seshadri, a political observer says probably post-election, this may be the first time that the Left parties will have some kind of role in government formation, in case of a hung assembly.

Who takes the credit: But political analysts say it would be interesting to see constituents in the combination taking credit for the victory or defeat of the alliance. “Practically speaking, the combin’es leadership should show maturity and share the credit,” says S Ganesan, another political analyst. But, some observers recall Vijayakant’s statement in the past where he said that AIADMK polled more percentage of votes because of his presence in the alliance in the 2011 Assembly election. In case of victory this time, will the DMDK make a similar statement is the moot question.

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DMDK-PWF’s alliance name triggers debate

‘What’s in a name’ is a popular justification or defence when it comes to effort or success of any mission. But in politics, this may not certainly work out and a classic case for this debate is the PWF/Captain Vijayakant Front

migrator

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