Cauvery row helps DMK to unite opposition parties in Tamil Nadu

The intensified protests over Cauvery issue has helped the opposition parties in Tamil Nadu to close ranks against the ruling AIADMK which has been accused of acting as a proxy of the BJP government at the centre.

The ruling AIADMK’s refusal to condemn and its continued cordial approach towards the Narendra Modi government even after the non-formation of the Cauvery Management Board has driven the opposition parties to rally behind DMK.

DMK has succeeded in bringing together opposition parties whose unity remained elusive in the state for the last five years. Nine party opposition grouping comprises DMK and its allies Congress, MDMK, IUML and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and like-minded parties – CPI (M), CPI and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.

“I hope this unity of the opposition party can be converted into an alliance for the Lok Sabha polls next year,” CPI state secretary R Mutharasan told DNA. He attributed the unity of the opposition parties to BJP’s attempts to create a foothold in the state by using the ruling AIADMK as a puppet. “AIADMK’s relationship with the BJP cannot be termed as a cordial relationship but one of a slave and master. There is no difference between the AIADMK and the BJP in the state,” he said, contrasting with late chief minister J Jayalalithaa who never hesitated to criticise the centre. “She maintained a cordial relationship with the BJP government at the centre even while opposing its attempt to encroach upon the state’s rights and its policies including NEET and Food Security Act,” she said.

DMK suffered a major setback when it lost deposit in the RK Nagar bypoll with AIADMK rebel TTV Dinakaran emerging victorious. The entry of actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in politics ensured that they got the maximum media limelight for past three months. The Cauvery issue helped the DMK and its allies to regain the prominent opposition space sidelining other contenders - actor turned politicians - Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and RK Nagar MLA TTV Dinakaran.

A senior DMK leader said that only his party could provide an alternative to the AIADMK in the state. “At present, our only focus is to struggle along with the farmers to force the centre to constitute the CMB. All the eight parties have joined hands with the DMK as we are consistent in our stand on the issues. When the election comes closer, you will see some more parties also joining our alliance,” the leader said.