Indian Elections: Tamil Nadu Politics Part-I




Kamla Bhatt Show show

Summary: (http://kamlashow.com/podcast/wp-content/uploads/vasanthi.jpg)Vaasanthi (http://www.penguinbooksindia.com/AuthorLounge/AuthorDetail.asp?aid=3598) is a writer and former editor of India Today, Tamil edition. She is the author of a fascinating book on  Tamil Nadu politics titled, Cut-outs, Caste and Cine Stars. Tamil Nadu was the first Indian state and perhaps the first in the world to consciously use films as a political vehicle and medium to spread their message.  Annadurai, Karunanidhi and MGR were all deeply involved with the Tamil film industry for many years prior to being elected to the goverment. In this book Vasanthi  delves into the fascinating world of Tamil politics that has been dominated by two parties for nearly 40 years. In the book she examines the history and the contradictions in Tamil politics and how the DMK came to power and continued to forge a new political identity in the southern state. In Part-I of our conversation Vaasanthi talk about the 2006 State elections in Tamil Nadu. She points out that former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's party did well in the elections even though her party did not form the government. Don't write off Jayalalithaa yet she says. She also discusses the current CM Karunanidhi's political acumen and the future of his party. Vaasanthi's first book was called Sirgugal (Wings). This interview was originally published in May 2006. Tune in to listen to Part-2 of Tamil Nadu Politics. (http://kamlashow.com/podcast/2009/03/22/vaasanthi-on-tamil-nadu-politics-part-ii/) (http://kamlashow.com/content/900390/maincontent/mp3/broadband/AliAkbarKhan_KamlaBhatt_page2.pdf)