Will Chennai move closer to Delhi?
- AR Venkatachalapathy
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM Apr 02, 2024, 22:20 IST IST
In the 2004 and 2009 general elections, Tamil Nadu results proved decisive for the nation. Both times, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA I and II) governments were formed with the support of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). In 2004 the DMK-led alliance swept up all 39 seats in the state and in 2009 it won 27.
In 2014 the All-India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by J Jayalalithaa made a big comeback, winning all but two seats even without an alliance. In 2019, the pendulum swung once again and the DMK-led alliance won all seats. On both these occasions, however, the Tamil results made no difference to the national outcome. Both times, BJP-led NDA formed a majority govt without Tamil Nadu, sidelining the southern mandate.
In 2014 the All-India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by J Jayalalithaa made a big comeback, winning all but two seats even without an alliance. In 2019, the pendulum swung once again and the DMK-led alliance won all seats. On both these occasions, however, the Tamil results made no difference to the national outcome. Both times, BJP-led NDA formed a majority govt without Tamil Nadu, sidelining the southern mandate.
