Pole Star of Southern skies

The career of political maverick Kumaraswami Kamaraj cut across the Independence struggle and post-Independent India. A Congressman by heart, Kamaraj was known for his realism, steering clear of total allegiance to either Gandhian idealism or Nehruvian cosmopolitanism.

Born into an underprivileged family in Virudhunagar (then Virudhupatti) on July 15, 1903, he had an unusual start, unlike other politicians. He dropped out of school when he was 11. In 1919, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre left a deep impact on him. At 15, he joined the Congress and became a full-time worker, organising meetings, after Gandhi’s call for the Non-Cooperation Movement, spending eight years in prison.

Rising through the ranks, Kamaraj became the general secretary, and later, president of the state Congress. As a non-Brahmin leader, he emerged as a powerful voice against caste-based dominance in the party. In 1940, he was elected the state Congress president, a position which gained him popularity throughout the weaker sections of Tamil society.

By 1954, public discontent with Rajagopalachari’s elitist leadership opened the doors for Kamaraj to become Chief Minister of Madras State. His tenure was marked by social reforms. He inducted underrepresented communities into his Cabinet, promoted Tamil as a medium of instruction, introduced free midday meals, distributed uniforms, and waived fees at government schools- initiatives that dramatically boosted school enrolment among the rural populace.

On the national stage, Kamaraj gained prominence with his 1963 proposal — famously known as the “Kamaraj Plan”, urging senior Congress leaders to step down from high offices and focus on strengthening the organisation. He led by example, resigning as Chief Minister in 1964. This was also seen as a move to shape the leadership of post-Nehru India.

Following Nehru’s death, Kamaraj played a decisive role in selecting Lal Bahadur Shastri for the top job, and after Shastri’s sudden demise, he once again stepped in, backing Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister, earning him the title of “kingmaker”.

However, by 1969, a rift with Indira Gandhi led to a split within the Congress, with Kamaraj becoming the president of the Indian National Congress (Organisation), opposing her centralised control. Kamaraj remained its president up until his death in 1975.

Kamaraj’s blend of ideological commitment and pragmatic politics carved out a rare legacy in Indian politics, cementing his place as a man of the masses.

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