AGENCIES
CHENNAI
O Panneerselvam, the current incumbent of the post who proposed her name at the party’s internal meeting this afternoon, announced his resignation soon after. Sources said Ms Sasikala may take oath tonight or tomorrow, depending on the availability of Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who is in Maharashtra.
Sasikala’s elevation ends a period of intense speculation and fulfils the vociferous demands of a section of the party who contended that it was unwise for the party and government to have different power centres in the state.
After the announcement, Sasikala appeared in front of supporters on the balcony where the former Chief Minister often seen, hands folded, in a dark green sari -- a colour greatly favoured by late Jayalalithaa. Tamil Nadu’s Iron Lady had even worn the colour after the sweeping victory of the AIADMK in the last assembly elections.
For V K Sasikala, election as the AIADMK Legislature Party leader to pave her way to become the Chief Minister, marks continuance of the legacy of late Jayalalithaa who also held the two posts, allowing her to wield complete control over the party and the government.
62-year-old Sasikala, shadow of Jayalalithaa for over three decades, was always considered a power centre and backroom player.
Sasikala, also known as ‘Chinamma’, emerged the party’s numero uno when she was elected as AIADMK General Secretary on December 31 last following Amma’s death.
Today’s development marks continuance of the political legacy of Jayalalithaa and MGR, who had held both the posts of party General Secretary and Chief Minister.
But it has been a roller coaster ride for her in politics as her detractors in the party had in 1996 accused her of being responsible for Jayalalithaa’s disastrous election defeat during that year.
Sasikala accompanied Jayalalithaa to prison when the latter was arrested in a disproportionate assets case.
