Without M Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa , Tamil Nadu politics will never be the same. When DMK founder CN Annadurai died in 1969, the political space was quickly occupied by Karunanidhi, well-known as a scriptwriter who helped AIADMK founder MG Ramchandran evolve as an actorpolitician.

Since MGR’s death in December 1987, Karunanidhi’s arch rival Jayalalithaa held the reins of AIADMK, winning polls in 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2016. Since last year, after Jayalalithaa’s death and Karunanidhi’s retirement, the two principal Dravidian parties have been floundering. The leadership transition has been smooth in DMK with Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin anointed working president in January 2017. But, with Karunanidhi leaving behind an impressive legacy, Stalin’s style of functioning will be watched.

A rudderless AIADMK with its many claimants for the mantle is still in disarray. CM Palaniswami, deputy CM O Panneerselvam and breakaway faction chief TTV Dhinakaran are far less charismatic. This leadership crisis could pave the way for alternatives.

The new entrants cannot be in the class of Karunanidhi or Jayalalithaa who were case studies. “Earlier, it was the leaders who got the votes, now the votes will decide the leaders,” said analyst Sudhangan.

The vacuum has attracted two Tamil film stars. While Kamal Haasan has been working hard for the last year, meticulously building his Makkal Needhi Maiam, its foundation still needs firming up. Actor Rajinikanth has been re-organising his fan base that promises to be the building blocks of his political party.

His political intent or ideology is not clear yet, but his associates and advisers close to BJP are keeping their fingers crossed. There is talk of the Sangh Parivar dreaming of a grand alliance including Rajinikanth and a breakaway group led by O Panneerselvam.

Analysts are pessimistic about the new leaders. Says Sudhangan, “There is a leadership vacuum. Popularity doesn’t mean leadership qualities. It is a different ballgame.” He said that while many may differ with ideologies of Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa, “we have to admire their leadership and concede we may never see anyone like them again”.

