Amidst the fervour of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan has called for embracing a ‘Dravidian model’ of governance and development, juxtaposing it against the well-known ‘Gujarat Model’.
MNM, an alliance partner of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, witnessed Haasan campaigning vigorously for DMK’s South Chennai candidate Thamizhachi Thangapandian in the Mylapore area. Haasan fervently urged voters to rally behind Thamizhachi and the DMK, emphasising that their support is crucial for the nation’s welfare.
During the campaign event, Haasan articulated his belief in the superiority of the Dravidian Model, stating, “People cannot always say that the Gujarat model is great. We have come to this model, which is also great (Dravidian model). Hereafter, India should follow the Dravidian model.”
He underscored the importance of unity by metaphorically expressing, “Moving my chariot alone is not enough, so we have to move the chariot together,” referring to the MNM joining hands with the DMK alliance.
Haasan's advocacy for the Dravidian Model resonated with the audience as he highlighted the stark contrast in resource allocation, remarking, “They are giving 1,000 crores to one person, but here in Tamil Nadu for crores of people, we are giving 1,000 rupees.” He urged voters to recognize the significance of the Dravidian ideology and its potential to shape India's future.
The campaign event witnessed a significant presence of party cadres from DMK’s alliance partners, including Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Communist Party of India, and Communist Party of India (Marxist). Haasan emphasized unity among the alliance parties, stating, “These allies party flags are flying here because we need one flag to fly forever, that’s our national flag.”
Tamil Nadu is set to cast its votes for all 39 Lok Sabha seats in the first phase of the general elections on April 19, with the counting scheduled for June 4. In the 2019 polls, the DMK emerged victorious in the state, securing 23 Lok Sabha seats and a significant share of the total votes polled. The ruling ally, Congress, and other allied parties also made notable gains, highlighting the formidable strength of the DMK-led coalition.
As the electoral battle intensifies, Haasan's advocacy for the Dravidian Model adds a new dimension to the discourse, emphasizing the need for inclusive and equitable development strategies to propel the nation forward.
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