Tamil Nadu's Actor-Politicians Face Scrutiny in Recent Elections
On April 6, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections took place, with results announced on May 2, resulting in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) taking over from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Actor Kamal Haasan established a political party but faced defeat, much like Vijayakanth, whose party initially opposed before experiencing a downturn. Local councillors have been accused of corruption, demanding bribes, including 25,000 rupees for kitchen modifications. Influencing Tamil Nadu politics, stars like Vijay were noted for their presence at polling stations. Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi party advocates racist views and stands against COVID-19 vaccinations. Author Charu Nivedita, disenchanted with politics, has abstained from voting due to fears of retaliation for criticizing celebrities. A debate between Haasan and Smriti Irani left him at a loss for words.
Key facts
- Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections were held on 6 April 2021.
- Election results were declared on 2 May 2021, with DMK replacing AIADMK in power.
- Actor Kamal Haasan formed a political party and contested but lost the election.
- Actor Vijayakanth's party briefly served as opposition before his political decline starting in 2006.
- Local councillors demand bribes called 'commissions', such as 25,000 rupees for kitchen alterations.
- Movie star Vijay cycled 500 meters to a polling station, drawing large crowds and police presence.
- Director Seeman leads the Naam Tamilar Katchi party, advocating racist and fundamentalist policies.
- Author Charu Nivedita has never voted and fears criticism of movie stars in Tamil Nadu.
Entities
Artists
- Charu Nivedita
- Kamal Haasan
- Vijayakanth
- Vijay
- Seeman
- Smriti Irani
- Srividhya Subash
Institutions
- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)
- All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)
- Naam Tamilar Katchi
- ArtReview
Locations
- Tamil Nadu
- India
- Madras