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Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Ahead of 2026 election, how can DMK retain credibility and control the narrative?
The verdict in the Anna University sexual assault case — the Mahila Court sentenced 37-year-old biryani vendor Gnanasekaran to life imprisonment without remission for 30 years — marks a significant moment of judicial clarity. Examining forensic evidence, including mobile data that proved the accused had kept his phone on 'flight mode' for over two hours during the crime, the court dismissed speculation of multiple perpetrators. In fact, the judge found Gnanasekaran guilty under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology (IT) Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act (1998) — a verdict arrived at without political interference or procedural delay. However, legal closure rarely halts political rumour. Even as the public prosecutor warned that continued speculation could amount to contempt of court, the phrase 'Yaar Andha Sir?' ('Who is that sir?') has already entered political discourse, largely due to insinuations by AIADMK leaders and an opportunistic digital echo chamber. The truth, it seems, is not what is proved in court but what sticks in public memory. Ironically, the DMK government, often accused of political micro-management, allowed this case to move swiftly through an autonomous legal process. In a state where past sexual assault cases, like the Pollachi scandal, were delayed or allegedly mishandled, notably under the AIADMK's watch, this is not insignificant. Nevertheless, the opposition has deftly turned the DMK's early assertion that there was only one accused into a point of political attack, calling it 'prejudgement' and 'potential cover-up'. This episode reveals the broader question facing the DMK as it heads toward the 2026 assembly elections: How does the party retain credibility and control the narrative? The DMK's record over the last four years is, in many ways, better than its predecessors. Schemes centred around school-going children, women, and the youth have received appreciation. Other schemes like Illam Thedi Kalvi, Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, and grievance redressal initiatives have improved state–citizen interaction, especially in rural Tamil Nadu. The government's efforts in resisting NEET, symbolically potent even if legally ineffective, have bolstered its pro-social justice image. Investments in government schools, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and digital governance platforms also signal policy intent that is not merely rhetorical. However, the government's challenges are far from trivial. Tamil Nadu's graduate unemployment (16.78 per cent) remains uncomfortably high, and industrial job creation has failed to keep up with expectations. Chennai's chronic flooding and waste management failures have not seen systemic solutions, and the DMK's urban governance, while more responsive than before, lacks long-term vision. Add to this the unfolding TASMAC controversy, a potentially damaging scandal involving liquor procurement irregularities and alleged revenue manipulation. For many Tamil households, especially among the working poor, TASMAC is more than a public sector enterprise; it is a source of everyday distress. Women-led protests and growing anger around alcoholism have sharpened the moral critique of the government's alleged role in enabling addiction under the guise of revenue generation. Besides, actor-turned-politician Vijay's debut through Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam seems to have disrupted the Dravidian binary in a way few thought possible. Unlike fringe players like Seeman's NTK, Vijay carries an immense fan base and strong recall across age groups. His youth appeal and calculated distance from Hindutva politics make him formidable. Vijay has carefully crafted his messaging: anti-corruption, pro-education and socially inclusive. By not aligning with either Dravidian major or the BJP, he is attempting to occupy the unclaimed centre, a space attractive to urban, educated, and politically ambivalent first-time voters. If TVK contests all 234 seats, it may not win many outright, but it could split votes in enough constituencies to damage both DMK and AIADMK prospects. Meanwhile, the AIADMK is trying to regain lost ground under Edappadi K Palaniswami. While the party remains factionalised without a charismatic face, it still commands a sizeable rural base. Its attempts to link the Anna University case to a larger narrative of DMK complacency may not be grounded in evidence, but they are politically shrewd. In alliance with the BJP, the AIADMK hopes to capitalise on any anti-incumbency sentiment. However, this strategy remains fraught with risk: Tamil Nadu's electorate have consistently displayed a deep-rooted scepticism towards the BJP, viewing it as hostile to Tamil identity and interests, a perception that remains firmly embedded in the state's political consciousness. What must the DMK do, then? First, it must address the TASMAC issue head-on through transparency, audits, action against corruption, and a clear plan to reduce reliance on alcohol revenue. Second, the party must move beyond legacy rhetoric toward forward-looking governance. Digital skills training, green jobs, women's safety, and urban renewal should define its new language of social justice. Most crucially, it must seize control of the narrative. Though legally closed, the Anna University case remains a battle of perception. If the DMK stays reactive, allowing its record to be drowned out by slogans and suspicion, it risks ceding the larger electoral script. In Tamil Nadu, politically sharp and emotionally engaged voters expect more than performance; they demand trust, which is earned constantly. The DMK seems to have a strong chance in 2026. Stalin remains a credible leader, and the party's organisation is solid. But election results depend not just on incumbency or ideology but on timing, tone, and trust. The path to Fort St. George lies as much through governance as through the people's imagination. And in that realm, the verdict is never final. It is constantly being rewritten, tweet by tweet, poster by poster, speech by speech. The court may have ruled on Gnanasekaran. But in the court of public opinion, the DMK must still argue its case every single day, until the ballot speaks. The writer is an education consultant and political analyst based in Bengaluru
Hans India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
With Rs 10.27 lakh crore investments, Tamil Nadu tops in industrial growth
Tamil Nadu has emerged as the leading state in India in terms of industrial growth, with a total of 897 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed for investment proposals worth Rs 10,27,547 crore. These projects are expected to generate employment for over 32.23 lakh people, according to a statement released by the state government on Sunday. The government attributed this achievement to its sustained focus on industrialisation, investment facilitation, and inclusive growth. The state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded an impressive economic growth rate of 9.69 per cent. Exports from Tamil Nadu have also witnessed a significant rise-from $26.16 billion in 2020-21 to $52.07 billion in 2024-25. The state leads the country in electronic goods exports, contributing $14.65 billion, surpassing states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, said the government. Employment figures in both public and private sectors have shown remarkable growth, with the total number of workers rising from 2.9 crore in 2020-21 to 3.87 crore by 2024-25. The government credited several flagship schemes, such as Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, Illam Thedi Kalvi, Naan Mudhalvan, and Kalaignar Kanavu Illam, for the rapid development. Tamil Nadu's higher education enrolment rate reached 51.3 per cent in 2023-24, nearly double the national average of 26 per cent. The statement also highlighted Tamil Nadu's stable law and order situation, citing four years of peace without major caste conflicts or industrial unrest. Notably, there have been no reported custodial deaths in the state since August 2022. In terms of women's safety, the crime rate against women in Tamil Nadu stands at 24 per lakh population -- significantly lower than the national average of 66.4. Chennai has also emerged as the leader in the country for global skill development, boasting 94,121 skill centres and a sectoral growth rate of 24.5 per cent, outpacing cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The state government said these achievements are a testament to its proactive governance, inclusive development model, and commitment to making Tamil Nadu a global investment and innovation hub.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu government lists its achievements in the past four years
A total of 897 Memoranda of Understanding signed over various investment proposals to the tune of ₹10,27,547 crore, creating employment for over 32.23 lakh people, have made Tamil Nadu numero uno in the country in terms of industrial growth, the State government said on Sunday (May 11, 2025). An official release listed out the sectors in which Tamil Nadu has excelled, all of which together, have made the State achieve an economic growth of 9.69%. The export from Tamil Nadu which stood at 26.16 billion USD in 2020-21 has since been increased to 52.07 USD in 2024-25, it said. By exporting electronic goods worth 14.65 billion USD, Tamil Nadu stood number one in the country surpassing Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. As for employment opportunities created both in public and private sectors, the government said that the number of workers increased from 2.9 crore in 2020-21 to 3.87 crore by 2024-25. Programmes such as Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, Illam Thedi Kalvi, Naan Mudhalvan and Kalaignar Kanavu Illam implemented by the DMK government have propelled Tamil Nadu to record levels of development, making it the top State among all Indian States, it said. Tamil Nadu's higher education enrolment rate stood at 51.3% in 2023-2024, while the national average was 26%. 'Tamil Nadu has enjoyed four years of peace without any significant caste clashes or major industrial disputes. This stable law and order has fostered sustained development in the State. Notably, there have been no deaths in police custody since August 2022,' the release said. While the crime rate against women was 66.4 per lakh population nationally, it was 24 in Tamil Nadu — a significant reduction, ensuring the safety and well-being of women, it said. As for global skill centres, Chennai, with a growth rate of 24.5% and 94,121 skill centres, has surpassed Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and other cities in the country, it added.
