ABSTRACT
The PMK has contributed a great deal to the recent process of party system change. Its formation in 1989 can be identified as a hinge moment in the politics of Tamil Nadu. The party has strong support from the Vanniar caste group concentrated in northern Tamil Nadu. Since 1998 the PMK has been a pivotal player in the formation of electoral alliances. The party leader, Dr S. Ramadoss, is a tough negotiator who has been prepared to spring surprises on his allies. The PMK was on the winning side in each of the five elections held in Tamil Nadu between 1998 and 2006. The PMK’s tactical astuteness was well rewarded. It gained legislative seats at the state and national level. The PMK participated in all three national coalition governments between 1998 and 2009, giving the party a string of ministerial posts. The PMK has had a significant impact on the state party system. In terms of party system change the PMK has added another party to the system, promoted an alternative ideology and created new partisan alignments with an important minority of the electorate. The PMK has also altered the calculations political entrepreneurs might make about the likely costs and rewards of forming a new party.
