The AIADMK publicly criticized Kamal Haasan after MNM announced they wouldn’t be running in the election. The ruling party didn’t see this as a decision based on principles, but as proof of incompetence, and they believe Vijay will take a similar route in Tamil Nadu politics.
AIADMK response to MNM’s poll exit
The AIADMK portrays MNM’s move as a sign of political weakness, not a noble sacrifice. People speaking for the party say actors who get into politics don’t have the political understanding or leadership experience to have a lasting career serving the public, and that pulling out of these elections shows their own limitations rather than careful planning.
The AIADMK also pointed out that actors’ political groups in the past haven’t been able to turn being famous on the screen into lasting success in elections. They’ve noted that film stars have left politics before, and say Vijay will likely follow that pattern.
Kamal Haasan’s rationale and MNM’s support for the DMK alliance
Kamal Haasan described MNM’s decision in a different way, saying that simply being in an election isn’t the only way to be involved in politics. He announced full support for the DMK alliance’s candidates, and made it clear that not competing in this specific election doesn’t mean his commitment to politics is less strong. He said politics doesn’t have a definite end, and that a party’s plans can include only getting involved in certain things.
By joining MNM with the Secular Progressive Alliance, Haasan is giving them help tactically, while still letting MNM organize things as they see fit. The party is presenting their decision to not directly compete in the election as a deliberate choice to support a wider group, not to give up on their political goals.
Allegations of failed coalition talks and negotiation breakdowns
The AIADMK thinks MNM pulled out because their talks within the DMK alliance failed. They say MNM couldn’t get the conditions they wanted from the alliance, and so chose to not run for any seats. The AIADMK says this weakness inside the alliance damages MNM’s position.
MNM leaders responded by saying their decision was carefully planned and meant to help the alliance reach its goals. They say they withdrew to strengthen the opposition to the AIADMK alliance, not because they couldn’t get what they wanted in negotiations.
Vijay, TVK and the future of actor-led parties in Tamil Nadu
The AIADMK expects Vijay’s political group, Thanthi Vetrimaaran Kootani (TVK) or something similar, will do what MNM did and drop out after trying to win an election. They mentioned previous stories that parties like the BJP had tried to get Vijay’s support, which Vijay dismissed by saying the BJP are the opposite of what he believes in.
Because Vijay has publicly said he isn’t with the BJP and hasn’t formally joined with any groups, it’s unclear what he will do with his political effort. The AIADMK uses this uncertainty to argue that political groups led by actors find it hard to make stable alliances and have a clear, long-term strategy.
Implications for the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls
MNM’s withdrawal changes how the election will be fought, especially for the DMK alliance which now has MNM’s support without MNM competing with them for votes in particular areas. For the AIADMK alliance, this event gives them something to say about how weak or opportunistic their opponents are.
From a strategy standpoint, MNM’s decision might get more opposition voters to support the DMK alliance in important voting districts. However, it also makes you wonder if voters will actually go out and vote when there isn’t a specific MNM list of candidates. It remains to be seen whether the way actors get people to participate in politics will turn into lasting political organizations or continue to go up and down with occasional involvement.
As the election campaigning becomes more intense, the parties will continue to test how people believe in their trustworthiness, leadership, and how well they are organized. The AIADMK’s very public criticism is an attempt to make MNM’s strategic decision into a bigger story about their ability to govern and their political skills before the election.
