Politicians, including those from the rationalist Dravida parties, make it a point to first consult astrologers and palmists before the electoral battles.
Rationalists and communists may shun and ridicule them in public. But, come elections, astrologers are the most sought after ‘professionals’. Tamil Nadu is no exception.
Politicians, including those from the rationalist Dravida parties, make it a point to first consult astrologers and palmists before the electoral battles. Everything right from the angavasthram to the colour of the car is chosen on the basis of what the astrologers say.
DMK leaders drive around swanky cars, spotting party flags and pictures of Karunanidhi and Stalin, but they will also have pictures of Vighneswara or Muruga on the rear windshield.
Karunandhi, who is a known atheist, always wears a yellow shawl in public and does not fail to say a prayer to Lord Krishna at a temple adjacent to his house whenever he steps out of his Gopalapuram home.
The DMK chief’s both wives, Dayalu Ammal and Rajathi, are staunch devotees and conduct regular and poojas for the well being of their husband. All members of the ‘K-clan’, including sons Stalin and Alagiri, undertake regular pilgrimages to temples. The DMK leaders have constructed mansions purely based on Vaasthu.
Shivan Mukkam, astrologer and tantrik from Kozhikode in Kerala, said several leaders from Tamil Nadu approach him to conduct poojas, yagnas and even sorceries. “Don’t ask me the names. Leaders from all parties come to me,” said Shivan, a double post-graduate with specialisation in tantrik studies. He predicted Jayalalithaa would sweep the 2011 elections. “Her horoscope is so strong now,” Mukkam said.
Another astrologer also from Kerala, Muruga Das Kutty, predicted in favour of Jayalalithaa. “Constellations of stars favour Jayalalithaa, while Karunanidhi has come under the influence of Saturn, an inauspicious planet,” Kutty said.
S Ramachandran, an astro-meteorologist, made similar predictions. “Jaya’s Jupiter is on an upward motion. This will coincide with the date on which the results will be announced,” he said. However, the stars were on a downward march for Karunanidhi. “Saturn will create lot of problems for him,” he said.
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