Directions: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

The AIADMK cannot wish away the rout on the scale of its 1996 debacle, blaming it on money power, misuse of the government machinery, or propounding it is natural for the Opposition to lose civic elections. Its two leaders can no longer ___(1)___ operational bases to their respective caste-fortified political comfort zones and expect to ride on the approval by a coterie populated in the party’s high-level committees. Their vote pulling capacity is based on the ___(2)___ of the organization built by M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa. Hence, they must reach out to ground functionaries and ___(3)___ course correction. There could ___(4)___ patch-up calls with Jayalalithaa’s confidante V.K. Sasikala and the breakaway Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam. Since the separation has not helped either party, there will be pressure to ___(5)___ into mutual adjustments. The party would do well not to fight shy of criticizing the central government when it comes to issues ___(6)___ the people. The BJP, which has created a ___(7)___ that it is no longer a pushover in the Dravidian heartland, has had no qualms attacking the AIADMK or poaching its steering committee member. Irrespective of poll ___(8)___, the BJP has indeed scored victories in newer territories. A section of voters chose BJP candidates ___(9)___ the Naam Tamilar Katchi and the Makkal Needhi Maiam, though the party did not make much of an impact in what is still a bipolar polity. Given those past alternatives to the Dravidian majors faded after one or two stunning shows, it is too early to ___(10)___ that the BJP would stay the course as a political alternative. Meanwhile, Mr. Stalin, who described the victory as people’s endorsement for the “Dravidian model” of governance, must continue to focus on the development and livelihood issues of the people, and not be distracted by petty politics.