In 1997, the AIADMK-Congress alliance won a sweeping victory in the state assembly elections. Novelist Nandhini, the current DMK general secretary, attributed the successes of M.G.R. to ‘the magic of cinema’. However, Nandhini later joined the AIADMK for a brief period.
When some initial chief ministers, including K. Manoharan from Nanguneri, switched to the AIADMK from M.G.R.’s side, they fought alongside M.G.R. in a crucial battle, overcoming financial struggles and without major party alliances, and secured M.G.R.’s governance in the May 1980 legislative assembly elections.
AIADMK, unlike what M.G.R. founded in 1972, is now a structured organisation with strong opposition against intense DMK factions.
Due to the vigorous enforcement actions, one minister is in jail. Another faces a three-year sentence for involvement in disproportionate assets. Recent floods in Chennai and rainfall in southern districts showcased the efficiency and planning of the DMK government.
By exploiting this and offering a chance to bring about a change in governance, the opposition parties have understood the shortcomings of the AIADMK. Present AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami has only managed to distribute some relief materials and left Salem.
M.G.R. and Jayalalitha, during their times, interacted with the public when needed. Jayalalitha was excellent at answering questions from both the DMK and opposition parties. However, Edappadi K. Palaniswami is yet to shine as an opposition leader. After being removed from office in 1980, M.G.R. welcomed groups like the Farmers Association and Communists to join him against his opposition. However, the current AIADMK leadership fails to unite all opposition forces against the DMK.
Following M.G.R. and Jayalalitha’s leadership, there is now an organisation within the AIADMK for a continued relationship. However, without strong leaders like M.G.R. and Jayalalitha, those who once travelled with them abandoned the party. The revival of the AIADMK seems feasible only if they follow the path set by M.G.R.”