CHENNAI: Helmed by C N Annadurai and M Karunanidhi, who considered themselves disciples of the virulently atheistic Periyar, DMK has cultivated a rationalist image for itself. Though the party has given up on atheism and participates in Iftar parties and Christmas celebrations, leaders have baulked from being publicly seen going to Hindu temples, fearing rebuke from Karunanidhi.

But with Karunanidhi's son M K Stalin taking control, the party appears to be pursuing a deliberate strategy to shed that image, presumably with an eye on the 2016 assembly election. On his campaign tour, Stalin has been visiting temples and accepting the 'poorna kumbh' welcome there, setting the stage for several younger DMK leaders to come out of the closet and go public with their temple visits and participation in temple festivals. DMK MLA J Anbazhagan recently tweeted he had taken part in a Vinayagar Chathurthi festival in his constituency, organized by the Hindu Munnani. The tweet had a photograph of him with a giant-size Vinayaka idol.

Critics see DMK's reversal of image as a softening of its stand on Hinduism, and a winking allegiance to Hindutva. Stalin seems to be indicating that today's young voters don't see much value in an irreligious posture.

In a state where leaders have recently stayed distant from the masses and maintained an aura of mystique around them, Stalin's American-style campaign is marked by close personal interactions that seek to woo the youth and connect with the common man. Launching his video blog series called "Stalinconnect - Ungal Kaelvi, En Badil" (your question, my answer), in his official Facebook page, Stalin justified his recent visit to the ancient Thirukoshtiyur temple in Sivaganga district, pointing to its historic significance attached to Saint Ramanujar. "About 90% of DMK cadres are Hindus. There is nothing to be surprised about my visit to the temple," he clarified.

DMK leaders, in private, say they had to reflect present-day sentiments, as the era of Periyar was different from that of today. "There is no need for preaching atheism or theism now. People are well educated and know reality," a senior DMK leader said. Adding a political twist, BJP leaders welcomed Stalin's remarks. While BJP national secretary H Raja applauded Stalin, senior BJP leader L Ganesan said it only vindicated his party's stand that no political party can come to power antagonizing Hindus. "But they (DMK) have to disown Periyar to prove their Hindu credentials," Raja told TOI.

K Veeramani , leader of Dravidar Kazhagam founded by Periyar, has in the past never minced words while criticizing any straying from the rationalist path. He said the DK is a social movement but DMK is driven by electoral politics. "This [reversal] is nothing unusual for DMK," he said.

