The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Vaiko confuses allies and sets cadres thinking

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 27, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Vaiko confuses allies and sets cadres thinking

V. Jayanth

Critical juncture for the MDMK

CHENNAI: For the second time in recent days, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko has set his allies and critics thinking.

Is the MDMK firmly with the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA), led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)? Or, has he begun secret parleys with the ruling AIADMK as his critics would like his followers to believe?

At a public meeting to pay homage to martyrs of the language agitations here on Wednesday, Mr. Vaiko maintained a delicate balance and walked a tightrope. But the underlying message was clear — he will not give up the interests of his cadres and followers who mean everything to him; nor will he compromise on his carefully built up "image and credibility."

MDMK functionaries and cadres are interpreting this in two ways: if the DMK does not treat the party well and offer enough seats, it has a choice; or else, even if there are fewer seats on offer, Mr. Vaiko will not compromise on his political credibility.

It was because of this deliberate vagueness in his public pronouncements that a section of the media has also gone to town on what it considers are his public posturing and bargaining strategies.

Journalists even asked the DMK chief M.Karunanidhi the other day whether the MDMK was still with the DPA. Mr. Karunanidhi could only say, "Till now yes," and he had no information to the contrary.

Calls on DMK chief

The beauty of the "confused and confusing scenario" is that Mr. Vaiko called on Mr. Karunanidhi on Thursday. His colleagues described it as "a courtesy call."

Mr. Vaiko and his cadres are obviously happy at this state of confusion and also about the crowds he drew on Wednesday night. But the question persists whether he will ever think in terms of talking to the AIADMK and its supremo Jayalalithaa, who detained him for 19 months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. One section of the party apparently thinks there is nothing wrong in this if the MDMK does not get a "good deal" from the DMK. But the other side is convinced that the party should even go it alone rather than be seen negotiating with the AIADMK.

One of his close associates said: "Mr. Vaiko has spent his time, energy and funds keeping this party alive and active for 12 years now. We know he will do nothing to squander away the good name and the credibility he has built the hard way. It is a difficult period ahead and the MDMK is at the crossroads now. This Assembly elections will be critical for Mr. Vaiko and our party."

When asked about this state of confusion, Mr. Vaiko appeared very hesitant to spell out his stand. He said: "I can only repeat what I told my partymen last night. I will do nothing that will affect the interests of the party or our cadres. And at the same time, I will also not do something that will tarnish our image or reputation that we have carefully nurtured over the years. I should not be blamed tomorrow for making a wrong move. That is why I am very careful in what I say and measure my words. My friends in the media tend to read between the lines and come up with their own conclusions."

Perhaps, even that well intentioned clarification of his position may not reveal the turmoil that is going through in his head and heart. One thing came out loud and bold from his colleagues and Mr. Vaiko himself — that he and the MDMK will not barter their "credibility" for a few seats more.

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