'Never has it occurred in the history of this Dravidian state before' was the tagline of any DMK speaker who solely believed that there was strong anti-incumbency wave against the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. Banking on such ideas, DMK men started to gather at Anna Arivalayam, the headquarters of the DMK along with the sun that slowly peeked out clearing the heavy rain clouds which which lashed the city since Monday.

Karuppu, an ardent DMK follower with the symbolic red and black muffler around his neck, smiled at everyone he made eye contact with, saying, "The sun is coming out, we are definitely winning. Kalaignar is our CM".

All predictions favored the DMK.

Pre-polls, exit-polls, analysts' remarks, everything favored a DMK victory. Its manifesto carried a healthy plan for the development of the state. Stalin, the heir apparent, was sure that his 'Namaku Naame' tour was a success. In the last days before election, Karunanidhi went on a whirlwind tour around the state and by seeing the people's response, he overwhelmingly asked his cadre to be ready for any kind of sacrifice for the DMK's victory.

The party was sure that the beam of victory was shining upon them.

By 8.30 am today, the cheer was louder in DMK office than in Poes Garden (Jayalalithaa's residence). Cadres with gleaming eyes, waving the red and blag flag were sure of DMK's victory as it was leading in the postal vote counts, (DMK always leads in the postal vote counts).

The leading trend in vote count by 9.30 am was: DMK-8 AIADMK-6, DMK-10 AIADMK-7, DMK-12 AIADMK-8. Everyone was preparing for the celebrations, Anna's statue on DMK's premises was adorned with a fresh flower garland. Everything was going on as presumed by poll surveys.

We moved to Karunanidhi's house to see how everyone were planning to celebrate. A grip anxiety was prevailing all over Gopalapuram. Kanimozhi had arrived to view the results with her father and so was Stalin and Dhayanidhi Maran. The cadres were ordered to hold back their celebrations until a clear result would be announced.

DMK party office in Chennai. DMK party office in Chennai.

Losing the game

Around 10.30 am, the race began to lose it pace. The AIADMK was slowly gaining ground. By 11.30 am, the AIADMK was in lead in most constituencies.

Everything became silent and still in Gopalapuram. The count of ardent cadres began to reduce. Sweets, crackers and shawls that were brought to congratulate their leader and celebrate the victory began to disappear. The remaining people carried a heavy dark sigh on their faces.

Even Karunanidhi's personal guard was angry. "We shouldn't have given 41 seats to Congress. They are lazy and they never do ground work. We should have contested alone," he frowned.

An unknown DMK cadre yelled on top his voice, "Thalaiva, you won. DMK'S loss is people's loss. You don't worry". No reply was heard to his cry.

By 2.30 pm DMK leaders started to desert Kalaignar's house. Even, DMK's heir apparent decided to take the back door, to avoid the media.

Following him, Kanimozhi was moving out. When we caught her, she was still hopeful and said, "Let's wait for the entire result", and hurried away.

The man who actually defended DMK in front of Karunanidhi's house was Dhayanidhi Maran.

"The mandate given by the people of Tamil Nadu was for DMK. But unfortunately, crores and crores of money was spent by Jayalalithaa. Poll surveys predicted a victory for DMK and that became a curse for DMK because since the polls surveys predicted DMK's victory, this forced the ruling government to spend more money," he said.

The crowd cheered around him as usual. "People have sold their conscience to the devil," he added. Karunanidhi was not available the entire day for a comment.

The Tamil Nadu state Assembly elections was clearly won by Jayalalithaa. Even Prime Minister Modi, wished her on her victory even before the final results could be announced.

The euphemistic sun did not rise for Karunanidhi today.



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