M K Stalin's Invites Akhilesh Yadav For Unveiling VP Singh's Statue: Is DMK Seeking A Bigger Role In National Politics?

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a politically calculated move, unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister V P Singh at Presidency College in Chennai, in the presence of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday. Besides Yadav, the late prime minister’s family members were also invited to the event. Stalin's move to invite Yadav as the chief guest for the event has ignited speculations about DMK's ambition for a more prominent role in national politics.

 

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav unveil statue of former PM VP Singh in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/xzXCnBOz0E — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2023

 

Stalin's decision follows a recent national-level conference hosted by DMK earlier, which was attended by 19 Opposition leaders. At the event, Stalin launched the All-India Federation for Social Justice, countering the BJP's narrative and setting the stage for the Opposition INDIA bloc.

The move - the unveiling of the VP Singh's statue -  comes ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as DMK aims to position social justice as a compelling counterpoint to the BJP's campaign. Interestingly, unlike his past practices of inviting all-party leaders or constitutional authorities, the Tamil Nadu CM’s specific invitation to Yadav for the statue is a clear indication of DMK's pan-India ambitions.

 

Met DMK MP Shri TR Baalu in Delhi and received an invite from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri MK Stalin, to attend the unveiling ceremony of former Prime Minister Shri VP Singh's statue. pic.twitter.com/O4Qg4HuHqg — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 20, 2023

 

DMK-VP Singh Legacy

V P Singh, a celebrated figure among the political parties in Tamil Nadu, has always been perceived as a champion of social justice among the Dravidian parties in the southern state. The age-old ties between DMK and VP Singh, dating back to the late 1980s and 1990s, add depth to the significance of this move. VP Singh's recognition of DMK in Delhi politics during his tenure has left a lasting impact.

Political observers suggest that Stalin's move indicates a broader ambition for DMK in national politics. The decision to invite Yadav, seen as holding a 'third front' card, signals a strategic positioning for post-election scenarios.

Singh’s Legacy Of Social Justice

VP Singh's emphasis on social justice resonates with DMK's stance, creating a political backdrop that connects Tamil Nadu's social justice measures to national politics. The invitation also reflects the enduring relationship between Kalaignar Karunanidhi and Mulayam Singh, transcending generations. Karunanidhi fondly described V P Singh as "an embodiment of political decency, culture and high ambitions."

Notably, Akhilesh Yadav, an OBC leader and the late SP patriarch's son, had earlier equated the Samajwadi Party with the DMK of North India, emphasizing a common ground in their political approaches.