Despite its high-handed style of functioning and allegations of rampant corruption, the ruling AIADMK is riding high in Tamil Nadu on the strength of the dozen-odd welfare schemes launched by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Even though the real concerns of the voters, from shortage of drinking water to dishonour killings and the high cost of education remain to be addressed, Brand Amma has put the main opposition party, the DMK, which was hoping to flog the anti-incumbency factor, on the back foot. Meanwhile, the Vijayakanth-led Peoples Welfare Front is confident of providing a political alternative to the people of the state after nearly 50 years of rule by the two powerful Dravidian parties.
