Panneerselvam’s revolt against Sasikala has led to political instability in Tamil Nadu. Will either of them emerge victorious or will the state head for early elections?
On the night of February 7, O. Panneerselvam made waves at the Marina Beach. The acting chief minister of Tamil Nadu came unannounced, sat at the Jayalalithaa memorial for about 40 minutes, and unleashed a political storm.
As his convoy reached the site, there was surprise among the visitors and AIADMK cadres. Panneerselvam, clad in a white shirt and matching dhoti, entered the memorial and started meditating. Suspense built, as did the crowd. After a while, he came out with folded hands and watery eyes to address the waiting media and cadres.
For the first time in his long political career, the soft-spoken leader revolted. “I was forced to resign,” he said. “I was made chief minister immediately after Amma’s [Jayalalithaa’s] death, but was continuously humiliated.” He criticised V.K. Sasikala, the AIADMK general secretary and Jayalalithaa’s confidante, and said he was kept in the dark about Jayalalithaa’s health while she was in Apollo Hospitals.
A few kilometres away, Poes Garden came alive. Sasikala, uncharacteristically, came out of her residence to talk to the media. Though she did not seem to be seething with anger, the unease was writ large on her face. “The AIADMK is as strong as ever,” she told the media at 1.30am. “Action will be taken against OPS. If required, he will be expelled from the party.” At 1.37am, a statement removing Panneerselvam as party treasurer was released to the media.
But, the drama had just begun. Cadres waited outside Sasikala’s home till 3.30am, till they were asked to leave. “I will meet you all soon,” she said in a confident voice.
Bu hikaye THE WEEK dergisinin February 19, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye THE WEEK dergisinin February 19, 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Trump And The Crisis Of Liberalism
Although Donald Trump's election to a non-consecutive second term to the US presidency is not unprecedented—Grover Cleveland had done it in 1893—it is nevertheless a watershed moment.
What Will It Take To Clean Up Delhi Air?
IT IS ASKED, year after year, why Delhi’s air remains unbreathable despite several interventions to reduce pollution.
Men eye the woman's purse
A couple of months ago, I chanced upon a young 20-something man at my gym walking out with a women’s sling bag.
When trees hold hands
A filmmaker explores the human-nature connect through the living root bridges
Ms Gee & Gen Z
The vibrant Anuja Chauhan and her daughter Nayantara on the generational gap in romance writing
Vikram Seth-a suitable man
Our golden boy of literature was the star attraction at the recent Shillong Literary Festival in mysterious Meghalaya.
Superman bites the dust
When my granddaughter Kim was about three, I often took her to play in a nearby park.
OLD MAN AND THE SEA
Meet G. Govinda Menon, the 102-year-old engineer who had a key role in surveying the Vizhinjam coast in the 1940s, assessing its potential for an international port
Managing volatility: smarter equity choices in uncertain markets
THE INDIAN STOCK MARKET has delivered a strong 11 per cent CAGR over the past decade, with positive returns for eight straight years.
Investing in actively managed low-volatility portfolios keeps risks at bay
AFTER A ROARING bull market over the past year, equity markets in the recent months have gone into a correction mode as FIIs go on a selling spree. Volatility has risen and investment returns are hurt.
