Congress-DMK Ties Strained Over Covid Stoppage, Tamil Culture
Congress-DMK relations strained due to Covid stoppage, Tamil culture concerns.
Photo by Ümit Yıldırım
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Federalism, Inter-state relations, Political Parties
GS Paper I: History - Socio-political movements in Tamil Nadu
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on federalism and regionalism
Visual Insights
States Involved in Congress-DMK Alliance Dynamics
Highlights Tamil Nadu where the alliance faces strain and other states relevant to the Bharat Nyay Yatra.
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More Information
Background
The DMK's roots trace back to the Self-Respect Movement, initiated by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) in the 1920s, advocating for social justice and equality, particularly against caste discrimination. C.N.
Annadurai, a prominent figure in the movement, founded the DMK in 1949, emphasizing Tamil identity and Dravidian ideology. The party gained significant political ground in the 1960s, fueled by anti-Hindi agitations and a focus on regional autonomy. The DMK's rise marked a shift in Tamil Nadu politics, challenging the dominance of national parties like the Congress.
Over the decades, the DMK has evolved, adapting its policies and forging alliances with various national parties, including the Congress, to maintain its political relevance and influence in Tamil Nadu and at the national level.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the DMK has solidified its position in Tamil Nadu politics, winning the 2021 state assembly elections and forming the government. The party has been vocal on issues of federalism, state autonomy, and social justice, often clashing with the central government on policy matters. The DMK's stance on the National Education Policy (NEP) and its opposition to Hindi imposition have been prominent.
Looking ahead, the DMK is expected to play a crucial role in national politics, particularly in shaping the narrative around regional aspirations and social equality. The party's ability to maintain its alliance with the Congress and other like-minded parties will be critical for its influence at the national level.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK): 1. It was founded by E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) in 1949. 2. The party's ideology is rooted in the Self-Respect Movement, advocating for social justice. 3. The DMK has historically opposed Hindi imposition and advocated for greater state autonomy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The DMK was founded by C.N. Annadurai in 1949. Statements 2 and 3 are correct, reflecting the party's core ideology and historical positions.
2. In the context of Centre-State relations, which of the following statements accurately reflects the DMK's historical position? A) The DMK has consistently advocated for a strong central government with limited state autonomy. B) The DMK has historically supported the imposition of Hindi as a national language. C) The DMK has been a proponent of greater financial and legislative powers for states. D) The DMK has always aligned with the ruling party at the Centre, regardless of ideology.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: C
The DMK has historically advocated for greater autonomy and powers for states, particularly in financial and legislative matters. This stance is rooted in its Dravidian ideology and its emphasis on regional identity.
3. Assertion (A): The DMK's political strength in Tamil Nadu has often influenced national coalition politics. Reason (R): Tamil Nadu sends a significant number of MPs to the Lok Sabha, making it a crucial state for national parties. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true. The DMK's strength in Tamil Nadu, combined with the state's significant representation in the Lok Sabha, makes it a key player in national coalition politics.