Among the states that are going to the polls in April-May, Tamil Nadu is the only one that is definitely going to have an effect on UPA-II, irrespective of whichever alliance-be it the DMK-led group or the Jayalalithaa-led camp- romps home. Therefore, it attracts the attention of political pundits and commoners, alike.
Despite the political battle lines having been drawn, with the firming up of alliances in rival camps, there has not been much forward movement in talks between partners in either of the groups.
On the one hand, DMK and Congress are engaged in tough negotiations over specific seats, and on the other, the AIADMK too had not made any progress even on the number of seats to be contested by the left parties and Vaiko’s MDMK.
So much so, Left parties have vented their anger in public. The only consolation is that Ms Jayalalithaa has taken Mr Vijayakanth of DMDK on board with an offer of 41 seats. The sooner the talks get over, the better for the parties as time is running out.
The nerve-wracking talks between the DMK and the Congress will only lead to more animosity between them, considering the circumstances under which they came together after a brief parting of ways. Also, though DMK chief M.K. Karunanidhi would want the alliance to triumph, he wouldn't want to see many Congress candidates winning as that might lead to post-poll problems.
The Congress has already demanded a share in power though it was rejected by the DMK. It will also be interesting to see how the DMK sheds the 2G baggage during electioneering.
Jayalalithaa, for her part is confident of victory at the hustings by virtue of Karunanidhi's follies and her alliance with Vijayakanth. Power crisis in the state, soaring prices of essential commodities, rampant corruption and the abysmal law and order situation may play to her advantage.
At face value it looks like the DMK led group is strong in the north of the state as it has PMK, VCK and IUML besides the congress and Jayalalithaa is unbeatable in the south as she has Vijayakanth in her kitty. But who has the last laugh is anybody's guess.