The talk of new narrative in Tamil Nadu politics has once again sprung to centre stage. Thanks, ironically, to the suggestion that it is time for educated youth to make their mark in Tamil Nadu politics.
So worked up are the people of the state that they have spilled out into the streets to protest vigorously, not just for Jallikattu, but for every issue like hydrocarbon project and fishermen killing. And now, after three months of political instability, even after a stable government was formed, the social media in Tamil Nadu is abuzz with talks about the political instability in the state, the new generation politics and the space for young and educated youth in politics.
Tamil Nadu’s young politicians too have realised this. And kicking off this debate among the educated youth is Karti P.Chidambaram, son of former Union minister P.Chidambaram, saying that there should be a change in the narrative of Tamil Nadu politics. “I am not saying that I am the right person. But there is a space. I am striking a chord. I will continue to talk about this. It is important that we give younger people a strong platform,” he told THE WEEK.
Speaking at a forum, Generation 67 (G67), he stressed that the existing parties have closed their doors for a new generation of wannabe leaders and almost every political party from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu have become family entities, including the Congress. “Most of the regional and national parties, including Congress, have become private family properties and are beyond redemption. Thus, a newcomer who is interested in joining politics will not fit into any of these parties as he would have to praise the head or other leaders in the party,” said Karti.
Asked if he would take G67 forward in making it a movement or a forum for youngsters, he said, “It is neither a forum nor a political party in the making. I haven’t planned anything now. But I will strategise in the near future so that it turns into a platform for the youth,” he said.
With just a month to go for the bypolls in Jayalalithaa’s R.K.Nagar constituency, he said his G67 will vigorously campaign against cash for votes. "It will be an intensive, but a proper campaign against cash for votes. Anybody who wants can join me in this campaign."
In fact Karti’s G67 had earlier invited controversies when he called for an informal meeting with some of the congress district secretaries last year while launching this forum. The then Tamil Nadu Congress chief E.V.K.S.Elangovan warned him and it had triggered controversies.
His seminar on the 50 years of Dravidian rule, on March 6 in Chennai, was organised by G67 with the view to incentivise the youth and throw much light on the political vacuum in the state. His event attracted a host of eminent speakers who shared their views on various topics, from the power shift and the change in business, cinema, society, media and politics in these 50 years in Tamil Nadu. "The state needs a new political narrative. A path focused on growth and administrative efficiency, not on emotional issues," he said.
