dna Exclusive I Tamil Nadu Elections 2016: Jayalalithaa has failed youth and women, says DMK leader Stalin

MK Stalin decided to go in for an image makeover when he started to campaign for the DMK for the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu. The son of DMK leader M Karunanidhi was seen wearing track pants and sneakers and riding around a scooter in some constituencies. The 62-year-old surprised many with his zest and energy despite the rigorous campaign and the number of people he reached out to during the last few months across Tamil Nadu. In an exclusive interview with dna, he talks about his campaign, the alliance with Congress party and the failures of the AIADMK government. 

How successful has the 'Nammakku Naame' campaign been for the DMK?
'Namakku Naame Payanam' has been the largest-ever people-contact programme undertaken by any public leader in Tamil Nadu in the recent times. I met people from all 234 constituencies, covered over 11000 kilometres, over 50 days. It has added immense value to the party as we were able to feel the pulse of the people in the grass-roots, listen to their issues and formulate our manifesto based on the feedback.

Have you been able to woo the younger voters?
All voters are tired of an ineffective and non-functioning AIADMK Government whose hallmark has been zero governance. Every voter wants change. Every voter, particularly the young voter wants solutions to unemployment, stagnant growth and lack of development. Today our youth do not have jobs. Unemployment is massive, close to 90 lakh youth are without jobs. They will vote for a government that provides them employment. DMK’s manifesto and development agenda is centred around harnessing the power of the youth – providing jobs, quality education, entrepreneurial support and relief from education loans.

Prohibition has been one of the key issues for most parties this election. Why?
The AIADMK Government has not been able create meaningful employment for our youth, however it has ensured the expansion of TASMAC. The AIADMK government’s excise policy has had disastrous effect on families, increased domestic violence and reduced the income of families. Total prohibition will save our families, women and youth. It will improve the productivity of the people and revive the state’s economy.

What are the key things that DMK will do for the people of Tamil Nadu if it comes to power?
DMK will enforce total prohibition. We will ensure a corruption-free, transparent government by setting up the Lok Ayukta and giving the people guarantee of government services. The state’s development will be brought back on track through much-needed reforms - industries and infrastructure will be revived, thereby creating jobs to the youth.

The PMK feels that the people of Tamil Nadu no longer want a Dravidian party in power. 
DMK has always furthered the Dravidian ideals of equality and self-respect. We have been instrumental in creating an equanimous society through social reforms such as Samacheer Kalvi (equitable education), equal property rights for women and men, temple entry rights and rights to perform prayers in temples for all. The Dravidian ideal of striving towards an equanimous society where self-respect of the individual is paramount, is as relevant today as it was when the movement was started.

You have been on the ground campaigning and talking to the people relentlessly. Is this a foundation for a bigger role in the DMK in future?
It is the duty of every political leader to meet people, know their issues and address them. The people outreach initiatives I have been undertaking are in continuation of my belief that people are at the forefront of a democracy and their participation is paramount. This is the primary motivation for my on-ground initiatives.

Do you think forming an alliance with the Congress is an advantage for the DMK this election?
For the upcoming election, we have forged an alliance that would help us unseat the corrupt ADMK government led by an inactive Chief Minister. Congress shares the same objective. Furthermore, having a party that shares our secular ideals and vision for the state as an ally, is always an advantage.

What advantage do you think the DMK has over the AIADMK this time round?
Our manifesto, vision and commitment to Tamil Nadu’s development is the game-changer, this election. On the one hand you have DMK which has laid out its plans to make Tamil Nadu, the No.1 state in India on all development parameters and on the other hand, others misleading people with false claims about their track record of governance. The choice is simple – vote for development, vote for DMK.