No sooner than DMK President Kalaignar on January 6 told mediapersons, after facing volley of questions on the interpretation his earlier speech on January 3 at a function in which over 2,000 PMK members quit that party and joined DMK at Anna Arivalalyam, that the “DMK being a democratic movement, required the name of a person wishing to contest in inner party elections, particularly for headquarters elections for the posts of President or General Secretary, had to be proposed and the majority decision of the General Council was binding on all.” If I personally get such an opportunity for proposing, utilizing that opportunity –now I assert- I will propose only Stalin for the post of President. Because this was already proposed by Perasiriyar it would only imply that I am seconding it.”, the media- both electronic and print- were agog with the news that Kalaignar had ‘anointed” Stalin as DMK President. Although the headlines of these reports were misleading, to be fair to the mainstream media, by and large the announcement caused no surprise to them and they said it was expected and Stalin deserved it by the stint of his performance in both party organization and government administration earlier. Of course they had their own versions on certain non-issues that they had been meticulously blowing up all along.
But the statement of the President of the Party’s parent body, Dravidar Kazhagam Thiru K.Veeramani counted much for the rank and file of DMK in particular and Dravidian movement as a whole.
Thiru Veeramani said “the words of Kalaignar was the copper plate and stone inscriptions for the workers and members of the DMK and to the country. It is known and should be known that the DMK is a great race protection fortification for rationalists having deep affinity in the progress of Dravidian society and race-conscious people; and a wonderful political science tirelessly implementing ideals of Periyar, to the extent possible, in politics in the path of Anna. It is only DMK which is a political movement with social principle. This is the speciality of DMK.”
Recollecting the words of Anna when he found the DMK in 1949 that DMK and DK would function like double barrel gun and subsequent developments up to the demise of Anna after the Party captured power in the state, he said Periyar virtually ordered Kalaignar to take up the responsibility of leading the Party after Anna and reminded the ranks that of the three mottos of Duty, Dignity and Discipline, the third was the breath of life for the movement.
“Although there were many achievements scored by Kalaignar he remains as the expert sailor sailing the vessel of DMK without any damage, overcoming cross currents and tsunamis and back stabbings by betrayers, by his political acumen and organizational skills whenever there were testing times for the Party, particularly during Emergency days. It is a great opportunity to have Prof.K.Anbazhagan as Kalaignar’s unshakeable and close associate.”
“Another name for hectic toil is Kalaignar. Electoral victory and defeat are incidents occurring in between and not decisive sorrows for the end. If a movement is firm in principle and journey towards objective, no movement will wither by electoral defeats. That is why the DMK is now taking up gigantic manifestation (Viswaroopam). Those who say it is a closed chapter are only cheating themselves idiotically.”
“Although maturity is on the one side, ageing is an unavoidable natural phenomenon ‘the next question arises’ in any movement. Can the grown up DMK be an exception to it? But there are two types of people who raised such question:
1. With good intention, one type is those who are eager to convey to the people of the state.
2. Another type is those with enemies of race- making money by only instigating enmity- those with the mentality of supplying mischief to protect the crowns of their race by weakening the race conscious movement.
“Capitalising on these, many media pick up feed and exist every day. Nailing all of them, this disciple of Erode Gurukulam has given a fitting reply establishing that he is Ravanan’s son Indrajith who vanquished Indiran.”
“This is not an announcement for coronation. This is the part of proud reply to the future question. Hence the parent organization DK derives the same pleasure that Thanthai Periyar deived when he identified Kalaignar (after Anna) by this declaration of Kalaignar.”
“Kalaignar, by this announcement, has registered his stamp by placing a full stop to the needless controversy inside the Party and outside. There is no doubt that DMK ranks will accept the announcement of leadership , preserve discipline and heroically carry on field work.” Thiru Veeramani said.
About Thalapathi M.K.Stalin, Thiru Veeramani said, “Thalapathi Stalin did not get ripened in tender state; became seed, flower, green, fruit and got ripened. He is a disciplined soldier discharging duty by offering shoulder to the Leader to save Dravidian movement from the enemies by toiling considering work and not post as important for him. He is an embodiment of humbleness not even liking to call himself as Thalapathi.”
“Is the stamp imprinted by Perasiryar ordinary?”
“That is why there are none to hate him (Stalin); including those in opposition parties! His dignified approaches and his ever vigilant work to make the Party strong made the Leader to identify him! He was in charge of Youth wing. It cannot be forgotten that he also is now ‘youth reaching 60’. That is also a base for his maturity. There is no doubt that he will prove by functioning beyond the expectation of all.”
These words of Thiru K.Veeramani are enough of a testimony for the credentials of Thalapathi M.K.Stalin and also serve as fitting rejoinder to those vicious elements who still want to portray the announcement of Kalaignar as if it is a dynastic elevation. Decency requires that persons are not named, but people are cleverer than those who bask under media light and know for themselves who were the successors named by veteran leaders in the country introduced afresh into politics bringing them from abroad or some other profession. People of Tamil Nadu are also aware of political and administrative experience of Thiru Stalin and his leadership qualities. He rose up by his sheer hard and dedicated work for the Party and people whom he represented. However, looking back into the political and social career of Stalin:
Attracted to principles of Communism from his younger age, Kalaignar bestowed the name Stalin to his son oblivious to the fact that this political connotation would also ultimately lead to a political career.
Kalaignar once explained the rationale in naming his sons. He said that he named his eldest son as Muthu in fond memory of his father Muthuvelar, second son as Azhagiri in tribute to a stalwart of the Dravidian Movement Pattukottai Azhagirisamy third son as ‘Stalin’ after the communist leader of Soviet Union Joseph Stalin who believed in the ideology of communism and whose name also translated as ‘The Man of Steel’ and his last son as Tamilarasu to express his affinity for Tamil language.
The name ‘Stalin’ had not always been easy for him. While seeking admission in a reputed institution, Church Park convent in Anna Salai, Chennai, the authorities shuddered at the name of the revolutionary and insisted that the name of the boy be changed in order to be admitted in the school. Undeterred by this, his father Kalaignar simply stated that he would rather change the school than his son’s name. Eventually Stalin got admission in Madras Christian College school in Chetpet. Stalin in Russian language means ‘Man of Steel’, and M.K.Stalin has since been living up to his name, earning yet another title - The Lieutenant (Thalapathi) of the Dravidian movement.
Even as a young boy, Stalin’s interest in politics became evident and he became an active member of DMK at a very young age. The socio political movement attracted a lot of youths and students which included Stalin, and he also organized political activities in Gopalapuram where he resided. Moreover the language, style and fervor with which speeches were delivered by great leaders like Arignar Anna, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Navalar Neduncheyhian, Professor K.Anbazhagan and others aroused radical thoughts and inspirational ideas. Hence it was no wonder that young Stalin’s involvement with the Dravidian Movement at a young age led to a permanent foothold in the party and he became an essential part from there on.
His father Kalaignar carried the flag of Tamil through the streets of Tiruvarur, raising slogans against Hindi imposition and thus stepped into public life at the age of 13. The legacy continued when Stalin at the age of 15, while still in school, organized political events in Gopalapuram and formed the youth wing with like-minded students. On 30th Sept, 1968 he organized a public meeting celebrating Anna’s birthday, which also became a platform where he was recognized as a DMK forerunner.
Kalaignar inaugurated the youth DMK office at Gopalapuram on 12th Jan, 1973 in the presence of Prof. K.Anbazhalagan. Election work constitutes an important part of any political party. Stalin’s earliest election work was noticed during the Madras Corporation elections held in 1968. He started campaigning for DMK candidates T.K.Kabali (Ward 99) and R.Sadagopan (ward 109) in Corporation elections, representing Gopalapuram youth DMK, on 20th Jan, 1968.
On 3rd Jan, 1969 he addressed a DMK Public meeting for the first time, held at Kodambakkam-Mambalam High Road. When leaders like Arignar Anna, Kalaignar, Murasoli Maran, and Perasiriyar K. Anbazhagan influenced and captured the hearts of many in the State, it was even more so with Stalin who grew up with them. The principles of the movement and its powerful leaders struck a chord deep within him. To no one’s surprise he became a member of the Party and took part in organizational works in his residential area, Gopalapuram. After completing his graduation, he was elected as a local representative under the rules and regulations.
His wedding with Durgavathy (aka) Santha took place in Chennai on 20th August, 1975 when his father Kalaignar was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ‘self-respect’ marriage, introduced in Tamil Nadu by Periyar was presided over by the then Minister Navalar V.R. Nedunchezhian in the presence of Minister and General Secretary of the DMK Prof Anbazhagan . The occasion, among others, was also graced by former Chief Minister Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, the then President of India V.V Giri and the then Union Minister Babu Jagajeevan Ram.
Democracy India faced a severe crisis in 1975. She declared Internal emergency in the mid night of June 25, 1975. The DMK government led by Kalaignar in Tamil Nadu refused to arrest leaders and impose press censorship despite threats from the centre that if the state government did not fall in line it might be dismissed. On 31 January 1976, a large number of state and district level functionaries of the DMK, DK and the CPI (M) including Stalin were imprisoned.
One month after the detention on 01.03.1976, Kalaignar visited him in the prison. He told his father that he was not assaulted fearing that the truth might upset Kalaignar. However the truth was that he was to be brutally assaulted when the former Mayor of Chennai Chittibabu intervened to save Stalin and received all the blows and subsequently he succumbed to internal injuries in the abdomen. On 23.4.1976 Stalin appeared for B.A Examination in Presidency College under police escort. Later in January, 1977 Indira Gandhi withdrew emergency and the MISA deteneus all over the country were released from jail and Stalin was also released on 23.01.1977 after a year’s detention.
For the first time a non-Congress government was formed at the Centre in 1977 with Janata Party led by Morarji Desai assuming office. The Janata government instituted inquiries into the atrocities in prisons and Justice Ismail Commission inquired about the atrocities in Tamil Nadu prisons. Two MISA detenues Chittibabu and Madurai Balakrishnan, both of the DMK lost their lives in the assault by the wardens and police personnel. Functionaries of the DMK, DK and CPM including Murasoli Maran, Arcot Veerasamy and Stalin who were subjected to atrocities testified before the Ismail commission. Stalin deposed that they were locked in dark rooms, kicked with boot legs and repeatedly slapped on the cheeks. It was a deadly assault. They were provided with food mixed with neem oil, Idlies containing stones and pudding mixed with excess salt. There were only ten plates for 40 people. After beating him, Chittibabu, Arcot Veerasamy, Neela Narayanan and V.S.Govindarajan and turning them immobile, the wardens left and returned in 10 minutes and separated them and kept them in different cells. Others prisoners were allowed to freely move within the prison complex during daytime and were locked up only in the nights. But they were kept locked up round the clock.
Such depositions before the commission revealed how human rights were mindlessly violated. Prison experience not only altered Stalin forever but strengthened his determination to become part of the system that needed much reformation and radical changes.
The youth have always been the backbone of DMK. It was the only unique party that allowed the youth to showcase their thoughts and freely exhibit their ideals. Traditionally Dravidian parties were patronized by the youths, as Anna used to say “The DMK Public meetings were evening time universities where the youths were imbibed with the spirit of race, language and culture.” The meetings were an arena for open minds were youngsters not only imparted information on the histories, cultures and prospects for the future but absorbed as much, which created a generation of new thoughts. When Kalaignar presided over Nellai District Conference of the DMK on August 6th and 27th, 1950, he was only 26 years old.
When there were any conferences or agitations, youths were in the forefront in the DMK. When Anna found the party in 1949; most of those in the leadership and cadre level were youngsters. But after 31 years in 1980 when they had grown old a new generation of cadres had emerged. In order to constructively channelise the zeal and energy of the youths, the DMK youth wing was formed with Stalin as one of the secretary in the year 1980, because he had the experience of forming a youth DMK in Gopalapuram area and carrying out party work.
Several thousand youths came forward to join the youth wing. As a result till the end of 2004, 16 lakhs members were enrolled in the youth wing. After the enrollment of new members began another 4.42 lakh members who registered their names. The setting up of a separate office for the youth wing in Chennai has a background. On 28.01.1964 a plot on Anna Salai was acquired for DMK. On 15.06.1964 the DMK head quarters Anbagam was inaugurated there by Anna. Now the party headquarters is functioning at Anna Arivalayam in a huge building.
The youth wing required an office and the party headquarters was asked to allot ‘Anbagam’ for it. Similar request was also placed by Anna Thozhisanga Peravai. Kalaignar announced that whoever gave first, a fund of Rs 10 Lakhs would get the buildings and created a healthy competition. Following this youth wing secretary Stalin launched a statewide tour and collected funds at flag hoisting functions and mobilized Rs 11 lakhs. The fund was handed over to the headquarters and on 03.06.1988. Kalaignar inaugurated the youth wing office at ‘Anbagam’ in the presence of Prof K. Anbazhagan.
After the inauguration in 1980 at Madurai by Kalaignar, the anniversary function of the Youth Wing was held at Tiruchi like a conference in 1982 where an organizing committee was formed which toured throughout Tamil Nadu and formed a set up in each district following which the selected Youth Wing forum at Unions, Towns and District levels.
The State conference of the wing was successfully conducted in Tirunelveli on December 15 and 16, 2007 in which 25 constructive resolutions were adopted. A trust was created for the wing through which on the occasion of Anna’s birthday oratorical, poetic and essay competitions were conducted for students and prizes were distributed. On the occasion of Kalaignar’s birth day, prizes were being given students securing first three ranks at the district and state levels. This was being done for the past four years and so far Rs.97.60 lakhs had been presented to 1646 students. And for competitions on the occasion of Anna birth day, totally 7,059 students were presented Rs.1,20,90,000. Totally on the two occasions, 8,785 students were presented with Rs.2.85 crores from the Youth wing Trust so far.
But now the selection of Youth wing office-bearers was done in a different manner. Earlier it was done on the recommendations of secretaries of districts, unions, townships and branches and with the approval of the President and General Secretary the list was released.
But now change had been effected. The President and General Secretary directed that an age limit should be fixed for the Youth wing because those in the wing should be truly youths. So age limit was fixed for the wing to ensure that functionaries were youth and efficient. It was on that basis that these organizers and deputy organizers had been nominated for the Youth wing.
The work started in December 2011 was completed in nine months through interviews at the levels of union, town, township, constituency and area meeting over one lakh youths. 1,965 organisers and deputy organizers for 391 unions, 700 for 146 towns, 455 for 90 areas, 1,590 for townships, and 140 for 22 constituencies in Puducherry and Karaikal areas totaling 4,860 functionaries were selected.
Following this process, interviews were conducted at the Youth wing headquarters in Chennai, ‘Anbagam’ for selecting organizers at the district and state levels in which around 5000 participated of whom 246 were selected. So totally 5096 functionaries were selected who were attending the meet.
In order to impart knowledge on the history and spirit of the movement, and Tamil consciousness Training camps were conducted district-wise.
Thus Stalin proved his organizational ability by revamping Youth Wing from top to bottom taking the pain of touring all districts and interviewing prospective candidates for responsibilities. The exercise was so successful that there were no complains at all either from the Youth Wing cadre or the district DMK units. Stalin has also said that the readership wants to undertake revamping of the Women’s wing also which will undertake latter.
After the return of ADMK back to power in the state and the DMK losing even the status of principal opposition party in the Assembly, Stalin more vigorously and enthusiastically toured districts utilizing every opportunity by linking his Youth wing work and addressed massive public meetings and his speeches were well received by people and even journalists although they could not report them in full to their dailies. He led agitations on people’s issues and against the suppressive actions of Jayalalitha regime. Political observers did not fail to note the state-wide massive protest demonstrations by DMK cadre condemning the Police detaining him along with Tiruvarur district DMK secretary Kalaivanan during their tour.
That he was the DMK leader’s son has never may even have slowed down his natural progression up the party hierarchy. Many juniors became ministers long before he was considered for induction into the DMK Cabinet when it was in power.
Party cadre as well as people believed that he ought to have been made a minister in 1996 itself when the DMK returned to power with a big mandate and Stalin was elected a second term in Assembly.
When he returned to the Assembly in 1996, doubts over possible criticism about elevating his son made Chief Minister Kalaignar deny him a Cabinet berth at that time. Within months Stalin was elected as Mayor of Chennai. His stint as Mayor gave a fillip in his political life and chance to prove his mettle as an administrator. His efforts to construct dozens of flyovers and bringing a private player for garbage collection in the city paved the way for his reentry into Ripon buildings in 2001. But the ADMK government unseated him by a law.
Though his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister in 2009 was seen by the Party rank and file as a natural step towards to the top seat, Stalin had taken a long road. By delaying his elevation, Kalaignar had indirectly helped shape Stalin’s career and ensure larger acceptability within and outside the DMK. As an election strategist he delivered the goods in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and he led almost solely election campaign for 2011 Assembly elections and Local body elections. When Kalaignar’s health prevented him from going on a long campaign tour, it was Stalin who donned the mantle as the main campaigner and crowdpuller.
As Local Administration Minister from 2006-11, he earned a good image by ensuring proper implementation of welfare measures and reaching out to the people. As Deputy Chief Minister he visited Japan and successfully signed agreement with Japanese Bank for aid to Metro Rail project in Chennai and Hogenakkal Drinking Water project.
In the last 20 months, almost there was not a single day when Stalin did not have any programme. In fact, on every day he attends four or five different programmes. Kalaignar himself admitted that not only during DMK rule when as Deputy Chief Minister, Stalin shouldered many responsibilities, but now also Stalin was helpful by discharging many of his works. The people of Tamil Nadu have started looking at Kalaignar as ‘Moolavar’ (idol fixed in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple) and Stalin as ‘Urchavamurthy’ (idol –to which the sanctity is transferred- taken around during festivals for worship).
Last year Stalin deligently carried out the task assigned to him by the leadership and presented and briefed the resolutions of the TESO conference to the Deputy Secretary General of the UNO in New York and the Chairperson of the UNHRC in Geneva and also addressed Tamils at a meeting in London, to the appreciation of one and all.
By his innate humility and courtesy, throughout his political and administrative career so far, Stalin has never earned criticisms from any circle of overstepping his authority. Also he never got entangled in any controversy despite provocations of the media and the hostile regime, all of which have endeared him to the Party rank and file, people as a whole and even the media. He has emerged at the most acceptable face of the DMK among the people of Tamil Nadu. r
But the statement of the President of the Party’s parent body, Dravidar Kazhagam Thiru K.Veeramani counted much for the rank and file of DMK in particular and Dravidian movement as a whole.
Thiru Veeramani said “the words of Kalaignar was the copper plate and stone inscriptions for the workers and members of the DMK and to the country. It is known and should be known that the DMK is a great race protection fortification for rationalists having deep affinity in the progress of Dravidian society and race-conscious people; and a wonderful political science tirelessly implementing ideals of Periyar, to the extent possible, in politics in the path of Anna. It is only DMK which is a political movement with social principle. This is the speciality of DMK.”
Recollecting the words of Anna when he found the DMK in 1949 that DMK and DK would function like double barrel gun and subsequent developments up to the demise of Anna after the Party captured power in the state, he said Periyar virtually ordered Kalaignar to take up the responsibility of leading the Party after Anna and reminded the ranks that of the three mottos of Duty, Dignity and Discipline, the third was the breath of life for the movement.
“Although there were many achievements scored by Kalaignar he remains as the expert sailor sailing the vessel of DMK without any damage, overcoming cross currents and tsunamis and back stabbings by betrayers, by his political acumen and organizational skills whenever there were testing times for the Party, particularly during Emergency days. It is a great opportunity to have Prof.K.Anbazhagan as Kalaignar’s unshakeable and close associate.”
“Another name for hectic toil is Kalaignar. Electoral victory and defeat are incidents occurring in between and not decisive sorrows for the end. If a movement is firm in principle and journey towards objective, no movement will wither by electoral defeats. That is why the DMK is now taking up gigantic manifestation (Viswaroopam). Those who say it is a closed chapter are only cheating themselves idiotically.”
“Although maturity is on the one side, ageing is an unavoidable natural phenomenon ‘the next question arises’ in any movement. Can the grown up DMK be an exception to it? But there are two types of people who raised such question:
1. With good intention, one type is those who are eager to convey to the people of the state.
2. Another type is those with enemies of race- making money by only instigating enmity- those with the mentality of supplying mischief to protect the crowns of their race by weakening the race conscious movement.
“Capitalising on these, many media pick up feed and exist every day. Nailing all of them, this disciple of Erode Gurukulam has given a fitting reply establishing that he is Ravanan’s son Indrajith who vanquished Indiran.”
“This is not an announcement for coronation. This is the part of proud reply to the future question. Hence the parent organization DK derives the same pleasure that Thanthai Periyar deived when he identified Kalaignar (after Anna) by this declaration of Kalaignar.”
“Kalaignar, by this announcement, has registered his stamp by placing a full stop to the needless controversy inside the Party and outside. There is no doubt that DMK ranks will accept the announcement of leadership , preserve discipline and heroically carry on field work.” Thiru Veeramani said.
About Thalapathi M.K.Stalin, Thiru Veeramani said, “Thalapathi Stalin did not get ripened in tender state; became seed, flower, green, fruit and got ripened. He is a disciplined soldier discharging duty by offering shoulder to the Leader to save Dravidian movement from the enemies by toiling considering work and not post as important for him. He is an embodiment of humbleness not even liking to call himself as Thalapathi.”
“Is the stamp imprinted by Perasiryar ordinary?”
“That is why there are none to hate him (Stalin); including those in opposition parties! His dignified approaches and his ever vigilant work to make the Party strong made the Leader to identify him! He was in charge of Youth wing. It cannot be forgotten that he also is now ‘youth reaching 60’. That is also a base for his maturity. There is no doubt that he will prove by functioning beyond the expectation of all.”
These words of Thiru K.Veeramani are enough of a testimony for the credentials of Thalapathi M.K.Stalin and also serve as fitting rejoinder to those vicious elements who still want to portray the announcement of Kalaignar as if it is a dynastic elevation. Decency requires that persons are not named, but people are cleverer than those who bask under media light and know for themselves who were the successors named by veteran leaders in the country introduced afresh into politics bringing them from abroad or some other profession. People of Tamil Nadu are also aware of political and administrative experience of Thiru Stalin and his leadership qualities. He rose up by his sheer hard and dedicated work for the Party and people whom he represented. However, looking back into the political and social career of Stalin:
Attracted to principles of Communism from his younger age, Kalaignar bestowed the name Stalin to his son oblivious to the fact that this political connotation would also ultimately lead to a political career.
Kalaignar once explained the rationale in naming his sons. He said that he named his eldest son as Muthu in fond memory of his father Muthuvelar, second son as Azhagiri in tribute to a stalwart of the Dravidian Movement Pattukottai Azhagirisamy third son as ‘Stalin’ after the communist leader of Soviet Union Joseph Stalin who believed in the ideology of communism and whose name also translated as ‘The Man of Steel’ and his last son as Tamilarasu to express his affinity for Tamil language.
The name ‘Stalin’ had not always been easy for him. While seeking admission in a reputed institution, Church Park convent in Anna Salai, Chennai, the authorities shuddered at the name of the revolutionary and insisted that the name of the boy be changed in order to be admitted in the school. Undeterred by this, his father Kalaignar simply stated that he would rather change the school than his son’s name. Eventually Stalin got admission in Madras Christian College school in Chetpet. Stalin in Russian language means ‘Man of Steel’, and M.K.Stalin has since been living up to his name, earning yet another title - The Lieutenant (Thalapathi) of the Dravidian movement.
Even as a young boy, Stalin’s interest in politics became evident and he became an active member of DMK at a very young age. The socio political movement attracted a lot of youths and students which included Stalin, and he also organized political activities in Gopalapuram where he resided. Moreover the language, style and fervor with which speeches were delivered by great leaders like Arignar Anna, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Navalar Neduncheyhian, Professor K.Anbazhagan and others aroused radical thoughts and inspirational ideas. Hence it was no wonder that young Stalin’s involvement with the Dravidian Movement at a young age led to a permanent foothold in the party and he became an essential part from there on.
His father Kalaignar carried the flag of Tamil through the streets of Tiruvarur, raising slogans against Hindi imposition and thus stepped into public life at the age of 13. The legacy continued when Stalin at the age of 15, while still in school, organized political events in Gopalapuram and formed the youth wing with like-minded students. On 30th Sept, 1968 he organized a public meeting celebrating Anna’s birthday, which also became a platform where he was recognized as a DMK forerunner.
Kalaignar inaugurated the youth DMK office at Gopalapuram on 12th Jan, 1973 in the presence of Prof. K.Anbazhalagan. Election work constitutes an important part of any political party. Stalin’s earliest election work was noticed during the Madras Corporation elections held in 1968. He started campaigning for DMK candidates T.K.Kabali (Ward 99) and R.Sadagopan (ward 109) in Corporation elections, representing Gopalapuram youth DMK, on 20th Jan, 1968.
On 3rd Jan, 1969 he addressed a DMK Public meeting for the first time, held at Kodambakkam-Mambalam High Road. When leaders like Arignar Anna, Kalaignar, Murasoli Maran, and Perasiriyar K. Anbazhagan influenced and captured the hearts of many in the State, it was even more so with Stalin who grew up with them. The principles of the movement and its powerful leaders struck a chord deep within him. To no one’s surprise he became a member of the Party and took part in organizational works in his residential area, Gopalapuram. After completing his graduation, he was elected as a local representative under the rules and regulations.
His wedding with Durgavathy (aka) Santha took place in Chennai on 20th August, 1975 when his father Kalaignar was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ‘self-respect’ marriage, introduced in Tamil Nadu by Periyar was presided over by the then Minister Navalar V.R. Nedunchezhian in the presence of Minister and General Secretary of the DMK Prof Anbazhagan . The occasion, among others, was also graced by former Chief Minister Perunthalaivar Kamarajar, the then President of India V.V Giri and the then Union Minister Babu Jagajeevan Ram.
Democracy India faced a severe crisis in 1975. She declared Internal emergency in the mid night of June 25, 1975. The DMK government led by Kalaignar in Tamil Nadu refused to arrest leaders and impose press censorship despite threats from the centre that if the state government did not fall in line it might be dismissed. On 31 January 1976, a large number of state and district level functionaries of the DMK, DK and the CPI (M) including Stalin were imprisoned.
One month after the detention on 01.03.1976, Kalaignar visited him in the prison. He told his father that he was not assaulted fearing that the truth might upset Kalaignar. However the truth was that he was to be brutally assaulted when the former Mayor of Chennai Chittibabu intervened to save Stalin and received all the blows and subsequently he succumbed to internal injuries in the abdomen. On 23.4.1976 Stalin appeared for B.A Examination in Presidency College under police escort. Later in January, 1977 Indira Gandhi withdrew emergency and the MISA deteneus all over the country were released from jail and Stalin was also released on 23.01.1977 after a year’s detention.
For the first time a non-Congress government was formed at the Centre in 1977 with Janata Party led by Morarji Desai assuming office. The Janata government instituted inquiries into the atrocities in prisons and Justice Ismail Commission inquired about the atrocities in Tamil Nadu prisons. Two MISA detenues Chittibabu and Madurai Balakrishnan, both of the DMK lost their lives in the assault by the wardens and police personnel. Functionaries of the DMK, DK and CPM including Murasoli Maran, Arcot Veerasamy and Stalin who were subjected to atrocities testified before the Ismail commission. Stalin deposed that they were locked in dark rooms, kicked with boot legs and repeatedly slapped on the cheeks. It was a deadly assault. They were provided with food mixed with neem oil, Idlies containing stones and pudding mixed with excess salt. There were only ten plates for 40 people. After beating him, Chittibabu, Arcot Veerasamy, Neela Narayanan and V.S.Govindarajan and turning them immobile, the wardens left and returned in 10 minutes and separated them and kept them in different cells. Others prisoners were allowed to freely move within the prison complex during daytime and were locked up only in the nights. But they were kept locked up round the clock.
Such depositions before the commission revealed how human rights were mindlessly violated. Prison experience not only altered Stalin forever but strengthened his determination to become part of the system that needed much reformation and radical changes.
The youth have always been the backbone of DMK. It was the only unique party that allowed the youth to showcase their thoughts and freely exhibit their ideals. Traditionally Dravidian parties were patronized by the youths, as Anna used to say “The DMK Public meetings were evening time universities where the youths were imbibed with the spirit of race, language and culture.” The meetings were an arena for open minds were youngsters not only imparted information on the histories, cultures and prospects for the future but absorbed as much, which created a generation of new thoughts. When Kalaignar presided over Nellai District Conference of the DMK on August 6th and 27th, 1950, he was only 26 years old.
When there were any conferences or agitations, youths were in the forefront in the DMK. When Anna found the party in 1949; most of those in the leadership and cadre level were youngsters. But after 31 years in 1980 when they had grown old a new generation of cadres had emerged. In order to constructively channelise the zeal and energy of the youths, the DMK youth wing was formed with Stalin as one of the secretary in the year 1980, because he had the experience of forming a youth DMK in Gopalapuram area and carrying out party work.
Several thousand youths came forward to join the youth wing. As a result till the end of 2004, 16 lakhs members were enrolled in the youth wing. After the enrollment of new members began another 4.42 lakh members who registered their names. The setting up of a separate office for the youth wing in Chennai has a background. On 28.01.1964 a plot on Anna Salai was acquired for DMK. On 15.06.1964 the DMK head quarters Anbagam was inaugurated there by Anna. Now the party headquarters is functioning at Anna Arivalayam in a huge building.
The youth wing required an office and the party headquarters was asked to allot ‘Anbagam’ for it. Similar request was also placed by Anna Thozhisanga Peravai. Kalaignar announced that whoever gave first, a fund of Rs 10 Lakhs would get the buildings and created a healthy competition. Following this youth wing secretary Stalin launched a statewide tour and collected funds at flag hoisting functions and mobilized Rs 11 lakhs. The fund was handed over to the headquarters and on 03.06.1988. Kalaignar inaugurated the youth wing office at ‘Anbagam’ in the presence of Prof K. Anbazhagan.
After the inauguration in 1980 at Madurai by Kalaignar, the anniversary function of the Youth Wing was held at Tiruchi like a conference in 1982 where an organizing committee was formed which toured throughout Tamil Nadu and formed a set up in each district following which the selected Youth Wing forum at Unions, Towns and District levels.
The State conference of the wing was successfully conducted in Tirunelveli on December 15 and 16, 2007 in which 25 constructive resolutions were adopted. A trust was created for the wing through which on the occasion of Anna’s birthday oratorical, poetic and essay competitions were conducted for students and prizes were distributed. On the occasion of Kalaignar’s birth day, prizes were being given students securing first three ranks at the district and state levels. This was being done for the past four years and so far Rs.97.60 lakhs had been presented to 1646 students. And for competitions on the occasion of Anna birth day, totally 7,059 students were presented Rs.1,20,90,000. Totally on the two occasions, 8,785 students were presented with Rs.2.85 crores from the Youth wing Trust so far.
But now the selection of Youth wing office-bearers was done in a different manner. Earlier it was done on the recommendations of secretaries of districts, unions, townships and branches and with the approval of the President and General Secretary the list was released.
But now change had been effected. The President and General Secretary directed that an age limit should be fixed for the Youth wing because those in the wing should be truly youths. So age limit was fixed for the wing to ensure that functionaries were youth and efficient. It was on that basis that these organizers and deputy organizers had been nominated for the Youth wing.
The work started in December 2011 was completed in nine months through interviews at the levels of union, town, township, constituency and area meeting over one lakh youths. 1,965 organisers and deputy organizers for 391 unions, 700 for 146 towns, 455 for 90 areas, 1,590 for townships, and 140 for 22 constituencies in Puducherry and Karaikal areas totaling 4,860 functionaries were selected.
Following this process, interviews were conducted at the Youth wing headquarters in Chennai, ‘Anbagam’ for selecting organizers at the district and state levels in which around 5000 participated of whom 246 were selected. So totally 5096 functionaries were selected who were attending the meet.
In order to impart knowledge on the history and spirit of the movement, and Tamil consciousness Training camps were conducted district-wise.
Thus Stalin proved his organizational ability by revamping Youth Wing from top to bottom taking the pain of touring all districts and interviewing prospective candidates for responsibilities. The exercise was so successful that there were no complains at all either from the Youth Wing cadre or the district DMK units. Stalin has also said that the readership wants to undertake revamping of the Women’s wing also which will undertake latter.
After the return of ADMK back to power in the state and the DMK losing even the status of principal opposition party in the Assembly, Stalin more vigorously and enthusiastically toured districts utilizing every opportunity by linking his Youth wing work and addressed massive public meetings and his speeches were well received by people and even journalists although they could not report them in full to their dailies. He led agitations on people’s issues and against the suppressive actions of Jayalalitha regime. Political observers did not fail to note the state-wide massive protest demonstrations by DMK cadre condemning the Police detaining him along with Tiruvarur district DMK secretary Kalaivanan during their tour.
That he was the DMK leader’s son has never may even have slowed down his natural progression up the party hierarchy. Many juniors became ministers long before he was considered for induction into the DMK Cabinet when it was in power.
Party cadre as well as people believed that he ought to have been made a minister in 1996 itself when the DMK returned to power with a big mandate and Stalin was elected a second term in Assembly.
When he returned to the Assembly in 1996, doubts over possible criticism about elevating his son made Chief Minister Kalaignar deny him a Cabinet berth at that time. Within months Stalin was elected as Mayor of Chennai. His stint as Mayor gave a fillip in his political life and chance to prove his mettle as an administrator. His efforts to construct dozens of flyovers and bringing a private player for garbage collection in the city paved the way for his reentry into Ripon buildings in 2001. But the ADMK government unseated him by a law.
Though his elevation as Deputy Chief Minister in 2009 was seen by the Party rank and file as a natural step towards to the top seat, Stalin had taken a long road. By delaying his elevation, Kalaignar had indirectly helped shape Stalin’s career and ensure larger acceptability within and outside the DMK. As an election strategist he delivered the goods in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and he led almost solely election campaign for 2011 Assembly elections and Local body elections. When Kalaignar’s health prevented him from going on a long campaign tour, it was Stalin who donned the mantle as the main campaigner and crowdpuller.
As Local Administration Minister from 2006-11, he earned a good image by ensuring proper implementation of welfare measures and reaching out to the people. As Deputy Chief Minister he visited Japan and successfully signed agreement with Japanese Bank for aid to Metro Rail project in Chennai and Hogenakkal Drinking Water project.
In the last 20 months, almost there was not a single day when Stalin did not have any programme. In fact, on every day he attends four or five different programmes. Kalaignar himself admitted that not only during DMK rule when as Deputy Chief Minister, Stalin shouldered many responsibilities, but now also Stalin was helpful by discharging many of his works. The people of Tamil Nadu have started looking at Kalaignar as ‘Moolavar’ (idol fixed in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple) and Stalin as ‘Urchavamurthy’ (idol –to which the sanctity is transferred- taken around during festivals for worship).
Last year Stalin deligently carried out the task assigned to him by the leadership and presented and briefed the resolutions of the TESO conference to the Deputy Secretary General of the UNO in New York and the Chairperson of the UNHRC in Geneva and also addressed Tamils at a meeting in London, to the appreciation of one and all.
By his innate humility and courtesy, throughout his political and administrative career so far, Stalin has never earned criticisms from any circle of overstepping his authority. Also he never got entangled in any controversy despite provocations of the media and the hostile regime, all of which have endeared him to the Party rank and file, people as a whole and even the media. He has emerged at the most acceptable face of the DMK among the people of Tamil Nadu. r
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