CHENNAI: Writer and freelance journalist Vaasanthi's new book on Tamil Nadu politics "Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars" won the kudos of senior journalists at the launch function in Landmark book store in Chennai on Saturday for its no-holds barred analysis on Dravidian politics.

The book is on Ms. Vaasanthi's impressions on the political developments in the State during the last decade when she was heading a Tamil weekly magazine. "It is neither a history book nor an academic work on Tamil Nadu politics."

She compared herself to Sanjaya of Mahabharata whose job was to narrate dispassionately the occurrence of the war between Pandavas and Kauravas. "In some ways all journalists must be Sanjayas," she added.

N. Ram, editor-in-chief, Editor-in-chief of The Hindu , K.V. Ramanathan, former editor of The Indian Express and S. Muthiah, editor of Madras Musings congratulated the writer for coming up with a book that is both entertaining and informative.

Mr. Ram said the book summed up the oddities of Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu and added that Ms. Vaasanthi, who had spent most of her time out of Tamil Nadu, had the unique perspective of looking at things from the outside. "It is important not to romanticise with facts but to look back objectively and analyse. The book does that."

Mr. Ram added that the State's politics was in centre stage of national politics today than ever before. "People are talking about "Tamilnadisation" of politics in every State. National parties today do not have a ghost of chance to form the Central Government without the support of regional parties and it all started with Tamil Nadu." He added that the book could become reference material for journalists and aspiring political analysts. Mr. Ramanthan said Ms. Vaasanthi had shown unusual courage in describing politics in the State. "Most history books are either hagiographic or written on a pussy-footing," he pointed out.

"This book though holds back no punches."

Mr. Muthiah said the book's passages on Tamil Nadu's role in Sri Lankan and LTTE politics must evince interest at a time when the two parties are clashing in the island nation.

The hardbound edition of "Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars" is available at bookstores. It is priced at Rs. 425.

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