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Tamil Nadu Political Realm

Tamilnadu Current CM: M K Stalin(DMK)

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Leader of Opposition: Edappadi K Palaniswami (AIADMK)

palani Tamil Nadu Political Realm

Indian National Congress (INC): K S Alagiri

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Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi: Thol Thirumavalavan

thol Tamil Nadu Political Realm

Pattali Makkal Katchi: Anbumani Ramadoss

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): K Annamalai

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Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM]: K Balakrishnan

bala Tamil Nadu Political Realm

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: Vijay

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Pre-Dravidian Politics of Tamil Nadu:

Before the rise of Dravidian politics, Tamil Nadu was primarily dominated by the Indian National Congress (INC). The INC was the ruling party for the first two decades after India’s independence, until the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) won the 1967 elections. Since then, power has alternated between the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

K. Kamaraj was the most influential Congress leader during this period. He played a key role in the ascension and removal of the first six Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu post-independence, including T. Prakasam, O.P. Ramaswamy Reddiar, Kumaraswamy Raja, C. Rajagopalachari, M. Bhakthavatsalam, and himself. Kamaraj’s influence was pivotal in shifting political leadership, notably facilitating the removal of Prakasam and Ramaswamy, and eventually taking over as Chief Minister in 1954.

During Kamaraj’s tenure, major reforms were implemented in education and irrigation. Education was made compulsory and free for children up to age 14, and thousands of new schools were established. The state also pioneered teacher benefits and introduced the School Midday Meal Scheme. In irrigation, large-scale projects expanded farmlands, while efforts in electrification and industrial development were made. Social welfare schemes were introduced, Tamil was declared the official language in 1958, and the first Tamil encyclopedia was published in 1962.

Kamaraj resigned in 1963 to focus on revitalizing the Congress party, and M. Bhakthavatsalam succeeded him as Chief Minister. Bhakthavatsalam’s tenure lasted until the 1967 elections, when the DMK came to power.

Rise of Dravidian Politics

Since 1967, Dravidian parties have dominated Tamil Nadu politics. The origins of Dravidian politics trace back to the South Indian Welfare Association, founded in 1916, which was later renamed the Justice Party. In 1944, Periyar E. V. Ramasamy renamed it the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), a non-political organization advocating for an independent Dravida Nadu. However, internal disagreements between Ramasamy and C. N. Annadurai led to a split, with Annadurai founding the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1956.

The DMK gained prominence through its opposition to Hindi imposition during the mid-1960s, leading to a decisive victory over the Indian National Congress in the 1967 elections. C. N. Annadurai became the DMK’s first Chief Minister, followed by M. Karunanidhi after Annadurai’s death in 1969. Karunanidhi’s tenure faced challenges from M. G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.), who left the DMK in 1972 to form the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). M.G.R. served as Chief Minister from 1977 until his death in 1987.

After M.G.R.’s death, the AIADMK split into factions led by his widow, V. N. Janaki Ramachandran, and J. Jayalalithaa. Following the AIADMK’s defeat in the 1989 assembly polls, the factions reunited under Jayalalithaa, who became the party’s general secretary. Since 1967, Tamil Nadu’s governance has alternated between the DMK and AIADMK, with both parties experiencing internal splits and realignments. The state’s political landscape has seen alternating governments from the DMK and AIADMK in successive elections: DMK in 1989, AIADMK in 1991, DMK alliance in 1996, AIADMK alliance in 2001, DMK alliance in 2006, and AIADMK alliance in 2011 and 2016.

Political Parties in Tamil Nadu

Celebrity Worship in Tamil Nadu Politics:

In Tamil Nadu, many politicians have origins in the Tamil film industry. Notable Chief Ministers like M. Karunanidhi, M. G. Ramachandran, and J. Jayalalithaa all came from the film world. Kamal Haasan, a celebrated actor, entered politics in 2018 by founding his own party. Rajinikanth, another iconic figure, considered starting a political party in 2020 but withdrew due to health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The phenomenon of celebrity worship in Tamil Nadu politics often reaches fervent levels, a trend that began with M. G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.). This intense devotion to party leaders is a significant aspect of the political landscape.

Youth movements have also played a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics, as seen in events like the Anti-Hindi agitations, the 2013 Anti-Sri Lanka protests, and the 2017 pro-jallikattu protests.

Lok sabha:

  • 1951-52: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1967: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 1971: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 1977: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 1980: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1984: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1989: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1991: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 1996: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 1999: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 2004: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 2009: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 2014: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 2019: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

Rajya Sabha:

  • 1952-1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1957-1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1962-1967: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1967-1972: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 1972-1977: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 1977-1982: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 1982-1987: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 1987-1992: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1992-1997: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 1997-2002: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 2002-2007: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 2007-2012: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 2012-2017: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
  • 2017-2022: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
  • 2022-Present: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

Political Disputes:

Political disputes in Tamil Nadu have been marked by significant and often contentious issues. One prominent dispute was the Anti-Hindi agitation of the 1960s, sparked by the central government’s decision to impose Hindi as a compulsory subject, which led to widespread protests across the state. The DMK capitalized on this sentiment, ultimately resulting in Tamil being declared the sole official language of Tamil Nadu. Another major conflict was related to Tamil Eelam, where Tamil Nadu played a critical role in supporting the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) during the Sri Lankan civil war. This involvement, driven by the state’s emotional connection to the Tamil cause, strained relations with the Indian government and complicated Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Additionally, disputes over river water sharing, particularly with neighboring states like Karnataka and Kerala, have frequently escalated, impacting inter-state relations and local politics. These disputes underscore the state’s vibrant and often volatile political environment, shaped by both internal and external pressures.