Veerappan's Family Enters Tamil Nadu Politics, Aiming to Reframe Legacy
Veerappan’s family enters electoral politics in Tamil Nadu
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Two decades after the death of notorious outlaw Veerappan, his daughter Vidhyarani and widow Muthulakshmi are entering Tamil Nadu's electoral politics. Running for the Naam Tamilar Katchi and Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, they aim to reshape Veerappan's legacy from a feared criminal to a defender of Tamil rights.
- 01Vidhyarani, Veerappan's daughter, is contesting from Mettur as an NTK candidate.
- 02Muthulakshmi, his widow, is running from Krishnagiri for Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi.
- 03Both candidates aim to recast Veerappan's image positively, focusing on Tamil nationalism.
- 04Their entry into politics may impact the Pattali Makkal Katchi's voter base in Vanniyar regions.
- 05Vidhyarani previously secured over one lakh votes in her last election attempt.
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Two decades after the infamous forest brigand Veerappan was killed in a police encounter in Tamil Nadu, his family is stepping into the political arena to reshape his legacy. Veerappan's daughter, Vidhyarani, a 35-year-old lawyer, is contesting from the Mettur constituency as a candidate for the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), while his widow, Muthulakshmi, is running from Krishnagiri on behalf of the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi. Both parties advocate for Tamil nationalism. Vidhyarani, who previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aims to present her father as a defender of Tamil rights rather than a feared outlaw. She emphasized that if her father were alive, he would have participated in the democratic process. Muthulakshmi is focusing her campaign on agrarian issues, asserting her commitment to farmers' rights. Their political entry could potentially impact the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), particularly in regions where the Vanniyar community is influential, as they may draw votes that would typically go to PMK. Observers note that both candidates have not faced hostility due to their past but rather enjoy respect from the community.
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The entry of Veerappan's family into politics could shift voter dynamics in Tamil Nadu, particularly affecting the PMK's support base among the Vanniyar community.
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