Dravidian Ideology, Hindutva and the Changing Political Narrative in Tamil Nadu

In a wide-ranging political discussion, S. Gurumurthy presented a sharp critique of Tamil Nadu’s contemporary political landscape, arguing that the ideological core of the Dravidian movement has significantly weakened over time.

“From Ideology to Family-Centric Politics”

Gurumurthy contends that what began as a powerful social and intellectual movement rooted in rationalism, anti-caste reform, and linguistic pride has gradually narrowed in scope. In his view, the movement today has been reduced to “Karunanidhi family politics plus anti-Brahminism.”

Referring to the legacy of M. Karunanidhi, he suggests that the once-expansive ideological framework of Dravidian politics has been overshadowed by dynastic consolidation and electoral management.

Tamil Identity and Hindu Civilizational Roots

A central theme of Gurumurthy’s argument is that the “soul of Tamil Nadu is fundamentally Hindu.” He challenges the long-standing narrative that Tamil identity stands in opposition to broader Indian or Hindu civilizational traditions.

According to him, Tamil temple culture, classical literature, and spiritual traditions are deeply interwoven with Hindu philosophy. In this framing, Hindutva is not alien to Tamil identity but compatible with it.

He positions the Bharatiya Janata Party as representing a civilizational ethos that can coexist with Tamil cultural pride rather than contradict it.

BJP’s Growing Vote Share: A Sign of Change?

Gurumurthy highlights the BJP’s rise in Tamil Nadu from around 4% vote share to approximately 12% in the 2024 elections. He interprets this growth as evidence that traditional Dravidian vote banks are gradually “melting.”

For decades, parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and its rivals dominated the state’s political imagination. However, he argues that emerging electoral shifts suggest a space opening up for alternative ideological narratives.

Vijay’s Political Entry: Charisma vs Alliances

On actor Vijay’s political foray, Gurumurthy offers a cautious assessment. Referring to Vijay, he describes him as a “friendless Vijay,” implying that without strong political alliances, his impact may remain limited.

Tamil Nadu politics has historically been alliance-driven and organizationally structured. In Gurumurthy’s view, star power alone may not translate into electoral success unless backed by strategic partnerships and grassroots machinery.

Hindutva as “Way of Life”

Defending Hindutva, Gurumurthy cites interpretations by the Supreme Court of India to argue that Hindutva has been described legally as a “way of life” rather than a narrow religious doctrine.

He frames it as a civilizational and cultural concept that encompasses diversity rather than excluding it, countering critics who portray it as inherently communal.

The Critique of Contemporary Secularism

Another pillar of his argument is a critique of modern Indian secularism. Gurumurthy claims that what was once intended as neutrality between religions has, in practice, become selectively applied. He argues that secularism today often appears biased, undermining majority traditions while engaging in vote-bank politics.

From Ideological Battles to Power Management

Tracing the political arc from the eras of M. G. Ramachandran and Karunanidhi, Gurumurthy argues that Tamil Nadu politics has gradually become “de-ideologized.”

He suggests that welfare schemes, electoral arithmetic, and coalition strategies replaced deeper ideological debates. In his assessment, contemporary Dravidian parties function more as power-managing entities than as ideological movements.

A Reframing of Tamil Nadu Politics

Overall, Gurumurthy’s analysis attempts to reinterpret Tamil Nadu’s political trajectory. He argues that:

1. Dravidian politics has weakened ideologically.

2. Tamil identity is not inherently anti-Hindu.

3. Hindutva can coexist with Tamil cultural pride.

4. Electoral trends indicate structural political shifts.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with his conclusions, the discussion reflects an evolving debate over identity, ideology, and power in Tamil Nadu — a state long shaped by strong regional narratives and now witnessing attempts at ideological reconfiguration.