With the support of youth, Seeman’s NTK hopes to leave a mark in electoral politics
His name Tamilar Katchi (NTK), supporting the cause of Tamil nationalism, is considered a hit among the educated youth. The fact that out of the 39 candidates they have fielded for the election, 16 are medical doctors, is some proof of this.
Others come from a variety of professions, including engineering and academics. Film director M Kalanjiyam and Vidya Veerappan, daughter of slain forest robber Veerappan, are also in the fray.
Vidya, 33, a lawyer by profession, who was earlier with the BJP, runs a school in Krishnagiri. She is NTK candidate from Krishnagiri Lok Sabha.
NTK, a Tamil nationalist party launched in 2010, secured 6.89 percent vote share in the 2021 assembly elections. It has fielded candidates on all 39 seats in the state in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Incidentally, NTK stood third in several assembly constituencies in the 2021 elections.
“Seeman’s political rhetoric and his sharp criticism of the DMK, Congress and even the BJP have kept his party afloat in state politics. Recently, many youth, especially educated people from backward and oppressed communities, are turning to his Tamil supporters. Are getting attracted towards Rukh.” ” said a political observer.
Yet, despite the stakes being huge for his party in this April 19 election due to his decision to contest alone, Seeman has been able to attract huge crowds at his political rallies across the state. His clear thinking on some issues is also another reason which attracts people.
For example, Seeman, a strong critic of NEET, attacked the National Party over its latest assurance on the medical entrance exam.
“Congress first introduced NEET and now says it will make centrally conducted qualifying examinations like NEET and CUET optional. This only shows that the party which ruled the country for almost half a century has no foresight,” Seeman said on the sidelines of his political campaign here.
Also, he criticized the BJP for raising the Katchatheevu issue keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind. “Both national parties have no real reason to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu,” he said.
On the DMK’s welfare initiatives, especially the campaign based on Rs 1,000 monthly grant to women, Seeman commented, “How can we consider the DMK to be genuine when it asks for votes by giving Rs 1,000 to women.” “It is trying to mislead people with false promises,” he claimed.
Incidentally, NTK is the only party in Tamil Nadu that has allocated 50 per cent seats for women candidates for this election, although Seeman has not tied up with any party or organisation.
A senior NTK leader said, “The decision to contest the elections alone is to prove our strength and emerge as the third largest party in Tamil Nadu. Like in the past, we will perform better than the national parties which are using regional parties to contest the elections. Depend on strength.” Said.
