Why Do All AIADMK Leaders Keep Jayalalitha's Picture in Their Pockets?

AIADMK leaders are known for a unique tradition of carrying Jayalalitha's picture in their pockets. This practice goes beyond mere personal affection and is deeply rooted in the political dynamics of one of India's most prominent political parties. Let's delve into this intriguing tradition and its implications.

Affection and Political Gains

There is a strong tradition of displaying loyalty and affection towards the party and its leaders. In AIADMK, everything revolves around the party leader. Many followers still hold enormous affection towards MGR, the founder of AIADMK, and Jayalalitha, who took the party to new heights. Carrying photos, stickers, and other items related to the party leader is a clear expression of this devotion and is often used to gain attention and political gains from the party leadership.

Political Traditions of Donning White Shirts and Dhonis

The uniform of white shirts and dhonis (traditional Indian attire) has been a defining identifier of the AIADMK party. This tradition originated during the tenure of Minister Kamaraj and has become a standard dress code for political parties and official functions. The uniformity in attire helps create a sense of harmony and reduces conflicts within the party. DMK, another major political party, also mandates a white shirt and dhoti for its members, but with a slight difference in the dhoti border color.

White Dhoni Codes: DMK AIADMK

DMK members wear dhonis with a red border, while AIADMK members opt for a red-white-black border. These subtle differences are often hard to notice on camera, but serve as an internal identifier for the party members. Additionally, DMK cadres are often seen wearing black-red scarves, whereas AIADMK members do not follow this tradition.

Other Party Identifiers

Other major parties such as BJP and Congress also have their distinct identifiers. BJP officials typically wear saffron/orange scarves or lotus badges, while Congress party members often wear saffron-white-green party tricolor scarves.

AIADMK's Distinctive Photo Pocket Tradition

AIADMK party members have taken this tradition a step further by wearing neat photos of Jayalalitha in semi-transparent white pockets. This practice serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it underscores the deep affection towards Jayalalitha and her legacy. Secondly, it acts as a political tool, as carrying such photos can attract attention from the party leadership. During official functions, it is often a self-explanatory indication that the person belongs to AIADMK. This tradition also helps to identify officials to the general public and media.

The Symbol of Political Alliance

One such example of using this practice for political gains was evident last year when Jayalalitha was in prison. A party member who desired a rise in ranks might have used this tradition to gain attention and support from the leadership. It is a practice that has been consistently followed over the years, highlighting the deep-seated traditions and the importance of loyalty in AIADMK.

Conclusion

Carrying Jayalalitha's picture in their pockets is more than just a personal affection—it is a political tradition that reflects the deep-rooted loyalty and commitment of AIADMK members. It serves as a symbol of the party's values and a tool for political advancement. The unique dress codes and identifiers of different political parties further highlight the significance of these traditions in Indian politics.