Unicorn of the Politics!

🎶 “Appadi podu podu podu asathi podu kannalae…” — humming the tune, Irrfan walked into my study, which had now transformed into the buzzing office of our start-up.

“Looks like you’re on cloud nine today,” I remarked with a smile.

“Sanju sir, not just me — everyone who believes in democracy should be celebrating! After all, Thalapathy Vijay has become the Chief Minister now,” Irrfan declared with excitement.

“But this isn’t the first time something like this has happened. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, AIADMK and the Telugu Desam Party had already set that precedent.”Amitabh, rising from his chair, added.

“And let’s not forget the Asom Gana Parishad and the Aam Aadmi Party,” I chimed in.

Ronjoy, who had just parked his bike in the courtyard, joined the conversation: “Exactly. They too gave us first-time Chief Ministers.”

“But that doesn’t belittle the effort Vijay and TVK put in,” Irrfan insisted, unwilling to back down.

I tried to mediate: “I agree. In today’s digital era of start-ups, TVK can be seen as a unicorn of politics.”

Irrfan leaned forward, eyes gleaming: “But can’t this happen nationwide? Imagine a new party, focused purely on public welfare instead of religion, rising within 2–3 years!"

Amitabh shook his head. “It didn’t happen overnight. Vijay spent nearly 17 years building his voter base through fan clubs across Tamil Nadu.”

“Exactly! And what you’re asking for already happened 12 years ago, when AAP captured the nation’s imagination with its anti-corruption movement and promise of transparent governance.”Ronjoy added.

“But it backfired then…” Amitabh began, only for Irrfan to cut in: “Yes, and ironically, the biggest opposition party gained the advantage and continues to rule, albeit on different issues.”

“See, Irfan, it’s not easy to create national appeal and win elections. You need a strong organisational structure. If our start-up contested elections tomorrow, we wouldn’t win a single seat — even though we’re doing commendable work in the social sector,” I explained patiently.

“I get that. But Vijay has shown us that change can be brought through democracy.”Irrfan nodded reluctantly.

“True,” I replied. “But you must admit TVK relied heavily on star charisma combined with anti-incumbency — just like AIADMK and the Telugu Desam Party did in the seventies and eighties.”

“But AAP didn’t have any star power. Anna Hazare wasn’t charismatic, nor was Kejriwal,” Irrfan countered.

I explained, “Yes, but AAP was born out of a movement — just like the Asom Gana Parishad. Movements often act as trigger points for change.”

“Exactly. Successful political start-ups usually rely on a trigger event or massive emotional resonance, not just clever strategy.” Ronjoy nodded in agreement.

“Otherwise, Jan Suraj Party wouldn’t have ended up with zero seats in the Bihar assembly elections", Amitabh high-fived him. "India’s diversity makes it clear — as Sanju sir said, only movements or messiah-like figures, whether stars or leaders, can create successful political start-ups.”

“And becoming a political unicorn — gaining power through either movements or charisma — is one thing. Retaining that power is the real challenge. Just look at the current state of all the parties we’ve discussed.”I concluded.

This time, everyone — including Irrfan — agreed with me.