In recent events, the spotlight has turned to Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin and heir to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) throne, as he doubles down on what appears to be anti-Hindu rhetoric. However, the response to his statements outside Tamil Nadu differs significantly from the relatively muted reaction within the state. So, what's behind this apparent disconnect?
Tamil Nadu, much like the rest of the country, has a predominantly Hindu population, with the majority of voters identifying with this religion. Yet, statements from the state's Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development expressing a desire to "destroy Sanatan Dharma" and opposing the construction of a temple on a destroyed mosque have stirred controversy.
One might wonder why these remarks did not cause as much uproar within Tamil Nadu as they did outside the state. The answer lies in the unique political landscape of Tamil Nadu, where voters prioritize factors such as caste pride, appeasement, and the government's performance on essential services and promises over religious rhetoric.
The Tamil voter is savvy, recognizing that DMK candidates often engage with local temples during elections, making generous donations and ensuring the success of religious festivals. This strategy, rooted in caste politics, has been a consistent feature of DMK's approach for decades.
Despite the party's seemingly modern and visionary outlook, Tamil Nadu's voters understand that the DMK's political foundations are deeply entrenched in caste dynamics. The party has a history of not challenging the existing caste hierarchy, even in the face of grave incidents like the Kilvenmani massacre in 1968.
The DMK's extensive propaganda machine, spanning over 60 years, has contributed to its stronghold on the Tamil film industry and the cable industry. Additionally, the party's influence extends to media outlets, with DMK-affiliated editors holding key positions in television, print, and digital media.
However, the discerning Tamil voter tends to look beyond the political noise and focus on tangible benefits. Whether it's financial gains, retribution against an errant MLA or MP, or the assurance that a politician will be present in various life events, the voter's decision is pragmatic.
Approximately 30% of the electorate votes solely based on the party's symbol, a trend that may shift in the coming years as voters increasingly prioritize logic over symbolism. This shift could explain why members of the DMK cabinet feel emboldened to make disparaging remarks about Hindus while appeasing other religious groups.
In essence, the current political rhetoric, including anti-Hindu sentiments, might be an attempt to divert public attention from pressing issues such as floods, unemployment, and the growing challenges faced by the people of Tamil Nadu. As the political landscape evolves, the Tamil voter remains focused on real-world implications rather than getting swayed by mere rhetoric.