Karunanidhi: The Sachin of TN politics
Just as he is beginning to get into his elements, Karunanidhi meanders to the poll promises of the DMK combine. He has to substantiate the seemingly impossible promises.
He takes up his pet promise - the free colour television. (For years, graffiti used to be a simple 'vote for the DMK' or 'vote for the AIDMK'. But this time, the DMK has reduced itself to 'To win a free colour TV, vote for the DMK'.
"Some mischief mongers are saying that it will be very expensive to give free colour televisions. Do they even know that if bought in bulk from China, the cost of one unit will be a mere Rs 2,000?"
Later, he swiftly gets the promise about providing rice at Rs 2 per kilo out of the way. 'Incidentally, regarding distribution of rice, parties neither talk too much about their promises nor are they too loud when they raise questions about the rival offers.
Does this mean, after the polls, that all parties agree that none of them will be able to stick to their promises?
In all the Karunanidhi show was quite similar to some of Sachin's recent innings.
He got a good look in and showed glimpses of the genius that he is before abruptly inventing a way to get out.
Despite being a mere shadow of his former self, Karunanidhi has been drawing huge crowds wherever he goes. But whether the crowds will translate into votes will be known only on May 11, when the results will be out.
Till then, Karunanidhi will have to keep his fingers crossed about his place in history.
Also See: 'Karunanidhi fomenting caste clashes'