PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, DMK leader MK Stalin, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi and Puthiya Tamilagam leader Dr. Krishnasamy
ATuntil a few years ago, a typical male politician in Tamil Nadu had to compulsorily wear a pristine white khadi shirt and dhoti to appeal to the common man. Sporting modern clothes would make people call him elitist. At one point, when it came to finalizing the head of government in a coalition regime, some mainstream politicians took great pride in declaring, “Tamil in dhoti will decide who becomes the Prime Minister”.
However, with demographic changes suggesting that young and first-time voters in the age of social media could play a key role in deciding a candidate’s electoral fortunes, some politicians have begun reinventing themselves to appeal to this segment of the population.
The competition to present oneself in an avatar considered more acceptable to the younger generation has become so intense that politicians who start donning colorful shirts and trousers are attracting criticism from rivals.
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While several politicians like former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran, Puthiya Tamilagam leader Dr. Krishnasamy and Chief Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi Thol. Thirumavalavan has donned modern clothes since his political debut, late DMK treasurer MK Stalin attracted attention for his colorful outfits. Politicians such as PMK chief ministerial candidate Anbumani Ramadoss, who is also seen mostly in trousers and shirts, criticized Mr Stalin, accusing him of trying desperately to cover up his aging appearance.
However, Mr Stalin, who undertook a political road show titled ‘Namakku Naame’, denied that his new attire was an attempt to present himself as a junior politician or merely to woo first-time voters. While the DMK leader acknowledged that his new dress sense has helped to resonate with the youth and students, he said he likes to wear colorful clothes. In addition, he said that walking is more comfortable when he is dressed in pants and wearing sports shoes.
Mr. Thirumavalavan, who has avoided wearing a dhoti, is clear about his choice. “I was never in the habit of wearing dhoti and trousers and shirts suit me. I don’t want to change my dress code just because I joined politics,” he said.
According to him, in the era of globalization, there would inevitably be changes in the diet and clothing of all regions of the world. “I don’t agree with the argument that we should maintain our dress code at all costs in the name of tradition,” he said.
Even when he was a member of the legislature, Mr. Thirumavalavan used to go to the House in trousers and a shirt. A cardiologist by qualification and a member of the current assembly, Dr Krishnasamy has always stood out in his signature attire since 1991.
Dress policy
1 As Chief Minister, when K. Kamaraj visited the USSR, he insisted on wearing a dhoti, rejecting the suggestion that a suit would be ideal clothing for the cold weather there. 2 DMK founder and former chief minister CN Annadurai traditionally wore a dhoti and shirt, but opted for a coat and suit when he went abroad. But when he was prime minister in the 1960s and early 1970s, he occasionally wore a suit for official functions and when traveling abroad. 4 Former Deputy Speaker Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, now in the AIADMK, started wearing trousers for “protection” after his dhoti was occasionally removed when he was forcibly evicted from the House during 1991-96. in New Delhi he opted for an immaculate dhoti despite his Harvard education.
Published – November 12, 2015 10:56 AM IST
