Chennai: After reaching out to major political parties for an alliance, AIADMK has now turned its attention to smaller outfits and micro caste groups to strengthen its front. The party believes additional support of these small and micro communities could enhance its winning prospects in tight contests. As part of this outreach, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met representatives of unorganised workers’ unions and potters’ associations on Thursday. Representatives from the Anaithu Maruthuvar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, Nethaji Subash Senai (representing the thevar community from the south), Akila Indiya Kuyavar Urimai Katchi, and sections of unorganised workers’ associations have also been roped in by the AIADMK.
EPS has instructed all second-rung leaders, district secretaries and senior functionaries to engage with organisations and micro communities that have considerable population in their respective localities.“We intensified the exercise a couple of weeks ago,” said a senior AIADMK leader who played a role in roping Tamil Nadu Viswakarma Mahajana Sangam — which comprises communities engaged in carpentry, blacksmithing, bronzework, goldsmithing and stone masonry — and Indiya Uzhavar Uzhalaipalar Katchi into AIADMK fold.Party strategists believe these groups could prove crucial in several pockets in the upcoming elections. These small outfits and micro caste groups are seldom given the prominence given to larger caste groups and organisations. They are neither fielded in the election nor given party positions by major political parties.
