Alliterative expression as the Dravidian movement’s political weapon

An old wall had been standing in my village for many years, its whitewash was peeling off and it was damaged by the rain. The heavy rain left behind interesting patterns, revealing the mud underneath. The following slogan was written on it: “Kaveri, Thenpennai, Palaru; Congress paruppu vegathu.”

This was probably the handiwork of those who supported the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during the election against the Indian National Congress. Inspired by one of the DMK leaders known for peppering his speeches with alliteration, local cadres linked Tamil Nadu’s three rivers – Kaveri, Thenpennai and Palaru – with the Congress party’s electoral chances. “paruppu vegathu” roughly translates to “the dal will not cook” and translates to “it will not succeed.”