Decoding Caste Dynamics: How Community Alliances Shape Tamil Nadu Politics

Tamil Nadu politics is heavily influenced by caste dynamics, with different communities aligning with various political parties based on historical, social, and economic factors. Here’s a detailed look at how different castes and religious communities impact Tamil Nadu politics:

Vanniyars

Background: Vanniyars are primarily an agricultural community, concentrated in the northern and central parts of Tamil Nadu.
Political Influence: They are one of the most politically influential communities due to their significant population.
Political Alignment: The Vanniyar community has traditionally supported the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a party founded by S. Ramadoss that specifically champions Vanniyar interests. The PMK often aligns with larger parties like the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) or the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) based on political convenience.

Thevars

Background: Thevars are a dominant land-owning community in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, Theni, and Ramanathapuram.
Political Influence: Thevars wield significant political power and influence, especially in the southern districts.
Political Alignment: Thevar votes are crucial for the AIADMK, as the party has historically had strong support from this community. The community also has significant representation in the AIADMK’s leadership and cadre base.

Gounders

Background: Gounders are primarily an agricultural community concentrated in the western parts of Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, Salem, and Erode.
Political Influence: They are an economically influential community with considerable political clout in the western regions.
Political Alignment: The Gounder community has traditionally supported the AIADMK. However, with the emergence of the Kongunadu Munnetra Kazhagam (KMK) and other regional outfits, there has been a slight shift, but AIADMK remains the primary beneficiary of Gounder votes.

Modaliyars

Background: Modaliyars (Mudaliars) are a traditionally influential community with roots in landownership, trade, and administration. They are spread across northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and surrounding districts.
Political Influence: They have historically enjoyed prominence in urban and semi-urban areas, especially in business, bureaucracy, and cultural fields.
Political Alignment: Mudaliars have had significant representation in both the DMK and AIADMK, with many leaders from the community playing key roles in Dravidian politics. In Chennai and nearby regions, their vote share is often decisive in urban constituencies.

Chettiar

Background: Chettiars are a mercantile and banking community with historical ties to trade, finance, and philanthropy. They are concentrated in Sivaganga, Karaikudi, and other parts of southern Tamil Nadu.
Political Influence: Their economic clout, particularly in business and finance, gives them influence beyond their numerical strength.
Political Alignment: Chettiars have traditionally been aligned with the Congress during its dominance in Tamil Nadu. In recent decades, many have supported AIADMK and DMK depending on political circumstances, while a section also leans towards the BJP due to business-friendly policies

Nairs

Background: Though Nairs are predominantly associated with Kerala, there is a significant Nair presence in Tamil Nadu, particularly in border districts like Kanyakumari (which was part of Travancore before reorganization).
Political Influence: Their influence is most visible in Kanyakumari district, where they are part of the broader caste and religious matrix along with Nadars and Christians.
Political Alignment: Traditionally, Nairs in Kanyakumari have been aligned with the Congress. However, in recent years, sections of the community have shifted towards the BJP, especially in the backdrop of rising Hindutva influence in the region.

Naidus

Background: Naidus (also referred to as Telugu-speaking communities such as Balijas and Kapus) have a notable presence in northern Tamil Nadu, particularly in districts like Vellore, Tiruvallur, Madurai region and Chennai
Political Influence: They are an influential group in business, cinema, and politics, with several film personalities and political leaders coming from the community,
Political Alignment: Historically, Naidus were aligned with the Congress during its heyday. With the advent of Dravidian parties, their support split between AIADMK and DMK. In recent times, the BJP has attempted to court Naidu voters, particularly in urban centers.

Nadars

Background: Nadars are a prominent business and land-owning community, especially in the southern districts like Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Kanyakumari. There are Christian and Hindu Nadars, due to Christian penetration as it is close to Kerala border due to historical and cultural reasons.
Political Influence: They have substantial influence in their regions due to their economic power.
Political Alignment: Historically, Nadars have supported the Indian National Congress. However, in recent years, there has been a shift with some support going to the DMK and AIADMK based on local candidates and issues. In Kanyakumari, there is also a notable presence of BJP supporters among Nadars.

Yadavas

Background: Yadavas are primarily a pastoral and agricultural community found across Tamil Nadu.
Political Influence: They have a considerable presence in rural areas and are influential in their localities.
Political Alignment: Yadavas have shown support for both DMK and AIADMK, with their votes often influenced by local leaders and candidates. There is also some support for regional parties and independent candidates.

Vellalars

Background: Vellalars are a historically significant agrarian community found predominantly in the Cauvery delta region.
Political Influence: They hold considerable sway in the delta districts due to their landholding and socio-economic status.
Political Alignment: Vellalars have traditionally supported the DMK. However, the AIADMK also has significant support among Vellalars, especially in certain districts.

Muslims

Background: Muslims are a significant minority community in Tamil Nadu, with a presence across the state, particularly in urban areas like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
Political Influence: They have a considerable influence in certain constituencies where they form a substantial part of the electorate.
Political Alignment: Muslims have traditionally supported the DMK and the Indian National Congress (INC) due to their secular stance. In recent years, parties like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and other Muslim-based parties have also garnered support.

Christians

Background: Christians in Tamil Nadu are a significant minority, with a notable presence in southern districts like Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and parts of Chennai.
Political Influence: They have considerable influence in regions where they form a significant proportion of the population.
Political Alignment: Christians have generally supported the DMK and INC. In regions like Kanyakumari, where there is a significant Christian population, they have also shown support for regional parties like the AIADMK and even the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in certain instances.

Dalits

Background: Dalits, also known as Scheduled Castes (SCs), are a diverse community with various sub-castes across Tamil Nadu.
Political Influence: They form a significant portion of the electorate and have considerable influence in certain constituencies.
Political Alignment: Dalits in Tamil Nadu have historically supported the DMK and AIADMK. However, there are Dalit-specific parties like the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) led by Thol. Thirumavalavan, which champions Dalit rights and often aligns with larger parties like the DMK. The BJP has also been making inroads into Dalit votes by promoting leaders from the community and implementing welfare schemes.

Major Dalit Sub-Groups:

Paraiyars (Adi-Dravidars)

Population & Region: Largest Dalit group in Tamil Nadu, estimated to be about 10–12% of the state’s population. Strongly concentrated in northern districts such as Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, and Cuddalore, with presence in delta districts as well.
Political Alignment: Traditionally inclined towards the DMK, as leaders like C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi emphasized social justice policies. They also support the VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) led by Thol. Thirumavalavan, which primarily mobilizes Paraiyar support. Some sections also back the AIADMK in certain districts.

Arunthathiyars

Region: Concentrated in the western districts such as Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, and Dharmapuri, where they are engaged largely in menial and sanitation work.
Political Alignment: Historically aligned with the AIADMK, which cultivated support among them by offering welfare schemes and representation. The BJP has also been trying to attract Arunthathiyar voters in recent years by promoting leaders from the community and supporting sub-caste specific demands.

Devendra Kula Vellalars (formerly Pallars)

Region: Predominantly concentrated in the southern districts — Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, and Virudhunagar. Traditionally engaged in agriculture, they have been socially upward compared to other Dalit groups.
Political Alignment: They have shown strong backing for the AIADMK in the past, but in recent years the BJP has gained influence after pushing for the official recognition and renaming of the community as “Devendra Kula Vellalars,” which many saw as a move to raise their social status. They are considered a growing support base for the BJP in southern Tamil Nadu, though the DMK and AIADMK still retain influence through local leaders.

Overall Political Alignment of Dalits:

DMK: Retains strong backing among Paraiyars and Dalit parties like VCK.
AIADMK: Significant support among Arunthathiyars and sections of Devendra Kula Vellalars.
BJP: Making notable inroads, especially among Devendra Kula Vellalars and Arunthathiyars, by promoting caste identity recognition and welfare outreach.
VCK: Primarily draws strength from Paraiyars and aligns with the DMK.

Political Dynamics and Equations

AIADMK: Traditionally enjoys support from Thevars, Gounders, and a section of Dalits. Their alliance with the PMK helps them garner Vanniyar votes. The party also has backing from sections of Nadars and Vellalars.
DMK: Has a broad-based support across various communities, including Dalits, Muslims, Christians, and Vellalars. They also have significant backing from sections of the Vanniyar community and Yadavas.
Congress: Historically had a strong support base among Christians and Muslims. Their influence has waned over the years but they remain a significant player through alliances with DMK.
BJP: While not as strong in Tamil Nadu, the BJP is trying to make inroads by appealing to non-dominant caste groups and through alliances with local parties. They have been trying for outreach into Gounders, OBCs, Thevars and Dalit sections like Aruntathiyars and Devendra Kula Vellara Communities.
PMK: Primarily focuses on Vanniyar interests and often plays the role of a kingmaker in alliances.
AMMK (Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam): Founded by T.T.V. Dhinakaran after the AIADMK split, AMMK draws support from Thevar pockets in southern districts. In 2024 loksabha elections, it was part of NDA alliance led by BJP.
VCK: Focuses on Dalit issues and rights, usually aligning with DMK.
NTK (Naam Tamilar Katchi): Led by Seeman, NTK projects a Tamil nationalist identity with emphasis on Tamil pride, language, and ethnic solidarity. It attracts younger voters frustrated with Dravidian duopoly. It has 5-7% vote share spanned across the state instead of selected regions.
DMDK: Vijayakanth’s party, which has seen varying degrees of success, appeals to a broad spectrum of voters, cutting across caste lines.
MNM: Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam appeals to the urban middle class and youth, attempting to transcend traditional caste equations. Party is now part of DMK alliance.
IUML (Indian Union Muslim League): A long-standing Muslim political outfit allied with the DMK front. Its influence is limited to a few Muslim-majority constituencies, but it ensures DMK consolidates minority votes in coastal and urban belts.
MMK (Manithaneya Makkal Katchi): A Muslim political party active mainly in northern Tamil Nadu and parts of Chennai. It represents Muslim concerns on education, rights, and security. Now, it is allied with DMK.

The interplay of caste and politics in Tamil Nadu is complex and deeply rooted in the state’s history and social structure. Political parties strategically align with various caste groups to build broad coalitions, while smaller caste-based parties leverage their influence to secure favorable alliances. The dynamic nature of these alliances and the evolving socio-political landscape continue to shape the political fabric of Tamil Nadu.

Kalyan Chandra

Kalyan chandra is a political strategist, media and communication consultant with the expertise in public relations, marketing, political research, election campaign management, psephology and digital analytics. He focuses on strategic political consulting, offering services that include competitive research, public opinion collection, and digital media management. Kalyan has significantly contributed to successful campaigns across India with his meticulous approach and deep understanding of the political landscape.

info@kalyanchandra.com https://kalyanchandra.com