Sasikala Natarajan, the trusted companion of J Jayalalithaa, has been giving out clear signals that she is the new power centre in Tamil Nadu — in the government and the ruling party.
Speculation was swirling that Sasikala could pitch herself for the top post in the AIADMK after Jayalalithaa’s death on Monday. She was seen standing close to the casket bearing the departed leader’s body, and receiving VIPs such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they came to pay respect before the burial on Tuesday.
Chief minister O Panneerselvam and key ministers held discussions on Thursday with the 60-year-old Sasikala, described by many as Jayalalithaa’s conscience keeper. This follows a similar meeting the day before with ministers and party functionaries at Poes Garden, the sprawling bungalow and AIADMK nerve centre where she stayed with the former chief minister for more than three decades.
The crucial question of party leadership was among the topics discussed at these meetings, said a senior leader who didn’t wish to be named. Also, the meetings fueled speculation that she may assume more power in the AIADMK.
Panneerselvam is mentioned nowhere for the party position, underscoring that a dual power structure could emerge in the AIADMK — a political situation that party founder MG Ramachandran and protégé Jayalalithaa never allowed.
“For sure, a dual power structure needs to be well-coordinated, or else it could weaken the party, at a time when it faces a formidable opposition in the assembly with a 98-member-strong DMK and its allies,” said Bernard D’ Sami, a professor and political analyst.
The picture will be clear at the party’s general body meeting, the schedule for which is yet to be fixed, though the meet is traditionally held in December. “It might be decided after the seven-day mourning period,” a party leader said.
Until then, Sasikala has to work out the maths. The party legislator for Puducherry, Om Shakti Shekhar, has already opposed any move to make her the general secretary.
“We will not accept Sasikala as the party chief,” he said after a condolence meeting.
