Outfits like the PMK, BJP and the PWF-DMDK all hope to take advantage of the political vacuum in a political environment sans Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. “Alternatives should come in but

the quality of alternative is important,” points out Madras University professor and political analyst, Ramu Manivannan. Much like how the DMK capitalised on Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement,

he says, the Dravidian alternatives need a political movement or an ideology to give them credibility. An image-makeover or a year-long political campaign may not be enough. Gnani, however,

says, “This Assembly Election will throw up surprises. The third front’s presence will be felt.” But he believes the battle is not for 2021, “It’s now for 2019. It could be a beginning.”