Ali Abdullah Saleh vs M. G. Ramachandran

Ali Abdullah Saleh, as president of North Yemen, negotiated the unification with South Yemen on May 22, 1990. He became president of the unified Republic of Yemen, a major achievement in Arab unity.

Saleh initially supported Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, straining relations with Saudi Arabia and the West. This led to the expulsion of nearly a million Yemeni workers from Saudi Arabia and economic hardship.

After southern leaders attempted secession, Saleh's forces crushed the rebellion in a brief civil war. This solidified his control over a unified Yemen but deepened regional divisions.

Mass protests erupted against Saleh's 33-year rule. After months of violence and a failed assassination attempt, he agreed to a Gulf Cooperation Council-brokered deal to step down in exchange for immunity.

After switching sides in the Yemeni Civil War to ally with the Houthis, Saleh was killed by Houthi forces on December 4, 2017, while trying to flee Sanaa. His death ended a complex political career.

MGR acted in over 120 Tamil films, often playing heroic roles that resonated with the masses. His films promoted social justice, anti-caste themes, and Dravidian ideology, building a massive fan base that later translated into political support.

MGR was shot in the neck by a fellow actor, M. R. Radha, during a film shoot. He survived the attack, which boosted his popularity and public sympathy, contributing to his political rise.

After being expelled from the DMK, MGR founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The party quickly gained popularity, drawing on his film star image and populist appeal, and became a major force in Tamil politics.

M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after leading the AIADMK to victory in the 1977 elections. He served three consecutive terms until his death in 1987, implementing populist welfare schemes.

MGR launched the Nutritious Meal Programme, providing free midday meals to school children in Tamil Nadu. The scheme aimed to improve nutrition, increase school enrollment, and reduce dropout rates, becoming a model for other states.