Ask DMK about rationalism…and also about raising a son, politically. There’s a Stalin in the story, and also a Gandhi.
Grooming an heir apparent is one portion of the story, marketing him assiduously is the more important part. And the DMK is a past master at this art. So, no wonder, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of chief minister M.K. Stalin, was the guest of honour when the foundation stone was laid for new tenements of the Slum Clearance Board in Chennai. The function was at Vyasarpadi, away from Udhayanidhi’s constituency.
The local MLA, also a minister, was present. As was another minister who heads the board. But the pride of place was given to the younger Stalin who was the first to shower flower petals during the Bhoomi Pooja. Eyebrows were raised about his presence at the function and the importance given to him, while the more sentimental wondered how he could participate in a pooja wearing his footwear.
If one sees the pattern in the Stalin government, Udhayanidhi’s presence has been ensured at all government functions in and around Chennai. The ministers find out his availability before scheduling any event so the DMK scion is there. Though he holds no position in the government, except being a legislator, Udhayanidhi is being projected as the face of all development work in Chennai—from hospitals to flyovers to tenements. The DMK grapevine has it that Udhayanidhi is being groomed for the post of urban development minister and the current publicity blitz is part of the dry run.
Well, not all sons in the DMK have such an unquestioned run. Santosh, the younger son of handlooms minister R. Gandhi, would know. He was seen participating in a government function in Walajapet to hand over welfare measures. When opposition leaders questioned his role at a government function, Gandhi had to issue a clarification. He said his family donated a piece of land to the government to build houses for members of the Irula tribe. Since the beneficiaries wanted a member from the donor’s family to be present, his son had gone there since he was tied up with official work in Chennai.
In the case of Udhayanidhi, no such questions are asked—and, obviously, no answers given.
(This appeared in the print edition as "Chief guest, first son")
By G.C. Shekhar in Chennai