Stalin’s Dilemma: DMK Has Won But How To Make Tamil Nadu A Trillion Dollar Economy

It’s a peculiar position to be in. It is a resounding win, no doubt.  How to convert this into a gainful one for Tamil Nadu?  Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin must be pondering over this. The relationship between the DMK government and the BJP isn’t cordial to say the least. The big electoral victory of the DMK-led alliance in the recently-concluded Parliamentary elections is surely a big booster to the Stalin-led DMK. Yet, New Delhi has to be onboard to make Tamil Nadu a trillion dollar economy. Coming as it did against this backdrop, the elevation of Kanimozhi as the leader of the Parliamentary party of DMK appears to be an interesting strategic move by the Stalin party. For one, it sort of signals the transition – rather arrival – of GenNext in the party. For another, it is also speculated as a strategic initiative to build a long-term bridge with the political establishments across the canvass in New Delhi. She seems to have a good equation with Amit Shah. Also, Stalin has to be watchful of TDP’s Chandra Babu Naidu who is a pro-reformist. This time around, he is not so much angling for party representation in the Centre but financial packages and investments to his state. This is where Stalin must be missing the experienced senior Maran (Murasoli Maran), who played a perfect bridge between the party and the rulers in New Delhi. For Stalin who has won single-handedly elections for the government it is almost like running with the hare and hunting with hounds.