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 It has become a habit with all politicians to criticise other parties of a dynasty-mentality and defend it fiercely when it happens in their own parties. Not a single party is an exception. We have seen even unwilling heirs pushed into the arena to wear the garb that the parent wore, in several parties. Rajiv Gandhi was not willing to enter politics in any way but the assassination Indira Gandhi paved the way for him to become her successor. The top-rankers not only paved the way but also carried him virtually half the way to the
president-ship of Congress and other things
followed. It happened in the case of Sonia Gandhi also.
The TMC is no exception in that respect. It was hard put to accept a leader from among the senior politicians that it has, after the death of its leader G. K. Moopanar, and as usual, not knowing what to do and not willing to accept the leadership of his or her own colleague, they brought in G. K. Vasan, son of the departed leader, who had nothing to do with politics for a long time.
Right from the time he assumed responsibility, G. K. Vasan has not been showing any discernible interest in the development of his party. He seems to be dependent on the ADMK for his party’s electoral prospects. It is the old story of Sinbad and the old man whom he accepted to carry on his shoulders. But who is Sinbad and who is the old man is a matter for each party to portray as it pleases.
Vasan bears the stamp of his father at least in one respect. He is as non-committal and as evasive as was Moopanar. ‘Is that so? I didn’t know!’ ‘I’ll let you know when I get information’ style of answers fills the air in his Press meets.
He is able to put up a brave face and display a kind of unruffled posture, though the situation sometimes betrays the feelings that run deep under. There was no reaction from TMC when Jayalalitha went ahead and took a decision unilaterally on the announcement of an ADMK candidate for the Rajya Sabha vacancy caused by the death of Moopanar. ‘We in fact did not expect that this seat would be allotted to TMC in the first instance,’ was the only response to questions. But what really lies under the answer is anybody’s guess.
It is also to be accepted that Vasan is dignified in his approach, as was his father, in handling delicate matters. He resented action of Ilangovan, party chief of Tamil Nadu Congress, of writing a letter to TMC inviting it to come back and merge with the Congress. His reaction was very restrained and refined. That has to be appreciated.
It is a fact that the future of TMC has become a big question mark after the death of Moopanar. Now it is for G. K. Vasan to beat on the back of the crooked question mark to straighten it into a wonderful exclamation mark. Will he be able to do it? Only time and Vasan will be able to answer.
Perumal
Text in English by Hari Krishnan
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