Page 30 - 30APR2019E

CoverStory

Regional satraps rule the

political roost in South

n the ongoing process of elections Regional parties are more Rao in Telangana will provide both the
being held for Lok Sabha in seven potentially decisive role in the forma-
phases, with first phase being over popular in southern states and tion of any coalitiongovernment at the
on April 11, southern states of In- they have been thriving on Centre after May 23.
I dia, represented by Tamil region Absence of a charismatic leader like
comprising Tamil Nadu and Puduch- strong linguistic and cultural Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, better
erry accounting for 40 parliamentary identities and have often served known as NTR, who was an influential
seats, Telugu region comprising Andhra as a potent barrier to the BJP’s figure in the Telugu region and earned
Pradesh (25 seats) and Telangana (17 the status of a national leader, is widely
seats); Kannada region represented by Hindutva nationalist discourse, felt. However, post-poll developments
Karnataka with 28 seats and Malayalam writes anil singh in this region arebound to impact na-
region represented by Kerala account- tional politics. Under the given situa-
ing for 20 seats, entail some distinct tion, governance model in both states is
features that are seldom seen in other (YSRC) party led by Jagan Reddy. Obser- excessively dependent on personality
parts of India. With the exception of vations garnered by this author during cult.
Karnataka where the two national par- his recent visit to these states tally with
ties — BJP and Congress — are directly most of the pre-poll surveys predicting Tamil region
pitched against each other with JD (S) 17 to 20 seats for YSRC party and rest for Tamil region comprising Tamil Nadu
as an ally of the Congress, in rest of the the TDP. Both the BJP and Congress are with 39 seats and the Union Territory
southern states, regional satraps rule expected to draw a blank here. of Puducherry accounting for one seat,
the political roost. In Telangana, the ruling Telangana together form 40 seats of Lok Sabha.
Regional parties are more in reck- Rashtra Samiti (TRS), which recently Undoubtedly, the AIADMK is in power
oning in southern states and they recorded a landslide victory in the state in Tamil Nadu; nevertheless, in the
have been thriving on strong linguistic assembly elections, is having a tie-up aftermath of the demise of Jayalalitha,
and cultural identities and have often with the All-India Majlis-E-Ittehadul the AIADMK is bereft of a powerful
served as a potent barrier to the BJP’s Muslimeen (AIMIM). And this combi- leader who basked in the glory of char-
Hindutva nationalist discourse. State- nation is predicted to sweep all 17 Lok ismatic MGR. Currently, the AIADMK,
specific issues often acquire salience Sabha seats thereby leaving the TDP, riven with inner dissensions, is a coali-
over national issues. Unlike north India Congress and the BJP toiling hard for tion of eight parties, including the BJP.
where the BJP has seemingly succeeded making their presence felt. while the With the recent demise of M. Karunani-
in evoking emotions in its favour in the BJP hopes to continue its flag flying. dhi, the DMK is also bereft of a powerful
wake of martyrdom of over 40 Jawans The projected win for Jagan Reddy in leader.
in Pulwamaand subsequent air strikes, Andhra Pradesh and K. Chandrasekhar The DMK is a coalition of nine par-
the response of southern states to this ties, including Congress. Both critics
jingoism has mostly been lukewarm. and predictions made by many pre-
Region-wise appraisal can help us in poll surveys project a divided picture
having cognizance of the electoral Unlike north where about the outcome of the Lok Sabha
prospects of different political players BJP succeeded in election in Tamil region. In the wake of
on the horizon. AIADMK being riven with internal dis-
evoking emotions sensions and absence of a strong party
Telugu region in its favour in wake leader, the DMK-led alliance is expect-
Telugu region comprises Andhra ed to call the shots owing to its leader
Pradesh having 25 Lok Sabha seats of martyrdom of 40 Stalin enjoying salience over his rivals
and Telangana having 17 seats and both and legacy of Karunanidhi. Some critics
these states are dominated by regional Jawans in Pulwama have opined that the alliance led by the
parties. Many experts opine that the BJP and subsequent air DMK may secure over 25 seats and play
and Congress are not even marginal a decisive role in the formation of a next
players here. In Andhra Pradesh the strikes, state-specific coalition at the Centre.
real contest is between Telugu Desam issues often acquire Electoral prospects of the BJP in
Party (TDP) led by Chandrababu Naidu Tamil Nadu, which is the only south-
and Yuvjana Sramika Ryuthu Congress salience in the South ern state where it is a part of an alli-

Tehelka / 30 april 2019 30 www.Tehelka.com