Stalin era begins
Among Tamil Nadu’s 10 chief ministers from Rajaji to Edappadi K. Palaniswami there were giants like Kamaraj, Karunanidhi, MGR and Jayalalithaa who brought in welfare schemes to benefit a cross-section of people from students to the poor and disadvantaged. The burden of expectation on Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin is, perhaps, at an apogee, especially considering the circumstances rendered dire by a sweeping pandemic. The expectations may have been lower when Edappadi took over in 2017 but in terms of tackling the coronavirus health crisis he also set an example of a leader backing a proficient set of administrators.
To Stalin’s credit he has started off on a good note, first acknowledging political elders before putting together his Cabinet thoughtfully. Having waited patiently for his turn when he also revealed a statesmanlike side to his personality in not trying to take advantage of the situation during Edappadi government’s existential crisis, Stalin has swung into action, signing Covid-19 relief measures and women’s welfare. In taking on the job with executive decisiveness straightaway, Stalin has shown himself to be a seasoned politician who also eschewed glitzy shows in triumphalism. He has also kept off introducing into his Cabinet his kin, including his son who was so prominent at the hustings.
Having worked for his party DMK for decades, Stalin must be well aware of collective responsibility and that is reflected in the quality of ministers he has chosen for key tasks. While keeping faith with elders who were among his father’s loyalists, his choice is apt of former Mayor Ma Subramaniam as health minister at a time when the virus is throwing up record numbers and the state has to look into oxygen availability among preparatory measures. Tending to finance will be Palanivel Thiagarajan, with his rich experience as a former investment banker and there are other key ministers to look after education, etc. The mixture of the old and the new Cabinet is a promising enough sign as the Stalin era begins.