The prime minister consoled a teary-eyed Sasikala and placed his hand over her head. That Jayalalithaa has died without naming a successor has added to the confusion.
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There are several questions which were unanswered even after Jayalalitha demise.
In 1982, she joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) political party, drawn into public office by her former co-star and party founder MG Ramachandran.
Sasikala was introduced to Jayalalithaa as a video renting/recording business operator.
Soon after, a slew of cases including the disproportionate assets case were filed against her.
The foster son was eventually disowned.
If nothing goes wrong, the present AIADMK government is expected to complete its full term and the next state assembly elections are scheduled for 2019.
Earlier, the late CM’s mortal remains were taken from Apollo Hospitals in Greams Road to her residence at Poes Garden.
His rise to the top job in Tamil Nadu would help allay fears of a power struggle in the AIADMK, built entirely around the cult of Jayalalithaa.
“On the many occasions, I had the privilege to meet her, concerns of the industry were sympathetically heard and initiatives taken to address them”.
Incidentally, Jayalalithaa’s relatives did not raise any objection to the burial as along with Sasikala – a once close confidante, her nephew Deepak Jayakumar performed the last rituals. With Jaya gone, the party seems to be under total control of Sasikala and it’s unlikely that anyone would dare challenge her position. Access, it was rumoured, was only until the floor in which Jayalalithaa was admitted, not to her room.
Party workers from Madurai region including Theni cited names of “grassroots leaders” including Chief Minister O Panneerselvam’s name.
Intermittently since 1991, Natarajan and her extended family have had some say in the running of the party, even the state, say analysts. Meanwhile, the Kongu Vellalars from the party would prefer someone from their own caste. Whereas remaining 70% MLAs belong to non-Thevar community and therefore, they won’t back Thevar hegemony.
Jayalalithaa’s death at 68 following a cardiac arrest could spur a reemergence of national parties in Tamil Nadu – a politically important and economically vital state of almost 80 million people.
As she was seriously ill on that day, many officials are also confessing that she may be hospitalised immediately after the parade.
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Post Jayalalithaa, the party does not seem to have a charismatic leader who can fetch votes and also be a glue. Sasikala’s notoriety hit a further low during Jayalalithaa’s weeks long hospitalisation.
