Youth reflect the mood of the nation. At the peak of Anna Hazare movement in 2011, we millennials were the youth. Nation was tired of the existing political system, was desperate for a change. Anna led anti corruption movement gave me hope. It questioned the status quo. Aam Aadmi Party, the political outcome of the movement, signalled a paradigm shift. Promised a new political order. When AAP secured about 30% vote share in 2013 and more than 50% of the votes in 2015, there was joy and optimism.

TVK’s victory in this election is in many ways similar to AAP’s victory. This was won banking on people’s resentment with the existing political order. It was won on the promise of paradigm shift. While I share the joy of today’s youth, the Gen Z, with the change, I am unable to share their optimism. Why is it so?

AAP focused not only on the ‘What’ but also on the ‘How’. They criticised corruption. They promised Lokpal bill to eradicate corruption.They spoke of more power to the people and promised increased devolution of power to local bodies i.e. mohalla sabhas to deliver it. They made populist promises of free water and 50% reduction in electricity expenditure. But again, said that money saved by eliminating corruption would fund these promises. TVK did not speak (enough) on how they will deliver on their promises. AAP communicated a unified message of what to expect, a corruption free government. TVK’s communication lacked that clarity. Their manifesto touched upon all critical issues in Tamil Nadu, but there wasn’t a unifying message on what to expect. In the limited opportunities he had, Vijay spoke about a lot, just like their manifesto, but the ultimate message I received was that Vijay will do what’s good for the people. Too vague, too malleable!

AAP put forth Gandhi ji as their guiding force. An added dimension of simplicity yet closely aligned with their core idea of honest, corruption free government. TVK has put forth 5 leaders who would inspire their policy. And they speak of diverse ideas, from social justice to honest government to protecting the vulnerable to safeguarding our land to women being at the forefront. This gives us no clarity on what kind of governance would they inspire. Further, these ideas are mentioned in their documents, but the party was not vocal about any specific influences from these policy mentors.

What I have stated above may seem trivial. But we are in a point in time when the Dravidian ideology has possibly lost its relevance. The alternative must also be an ideology to be viable. Or at least a central idea, which could eventually evolve into an ideology. Unfortunately, trusting Vijay to do what is good for the people, with no additional clarity on what kind of governance to expect didn’t leave much space for optimism. 

This is a small factor in my lack of optimism. The larger factor is my experience and increased understanding of how the system works.

In 2013, I was naïve to believe that a new legislation would abolish corruption. Now I know that there is no dearth of detrimental legislations against all sort of evils that plague our political administrative system. What we lack is intention. AAP at Delhi did abolish corruption in certain citizen facing departments. AAP significantly improved last mile delivery of service. But their success was limited. Ultimately the system proved to be more powerful. Even with perfect intentions, cleansing the system of corruption is a long tedious process. Delhi being a union territory had its own challenges. Tamil Nadu, being a state will give TVK higher autonomy, but the large size of the administrative structure would add further complexities. 

Another concern is the fact that this is ultimately a game of politics. Without getting into the merits of the accusations, political foray of AAP into other states is an important reason behind the liquor scam allegations. Vijay is reliant on the support of alliance partners to be in power. Political dynamics in the state would constantly spring up various challenges. Political considerations will influence centre state relations. Even with good intentions, occupied by politics, Vijay might not be able to focus enough on administration. 

The dark reality of electoral politics and the adverse impact it can have is understood without saying. Electoral pressure is mighty enough to shake anyone’s intentions, however pure it may be.

Given these realities, unlike the joyful optimism in 2013, all I could only muster up now is cautious optimism. As Vijay begins this journey, the wishes of crores of tamil voters are with him. Their hope on him to deliver the transformation he promised should drive him along the treacherous path.