The election Symbol of the All India Anna Dravida MunnetraKazhagam (AIADMK) is “two leaves”.The symbol implies Jayalalithaa specifically or any other leader of the AIADMK, will work double for its people, as compared to other leaders or parties. However now the symbol signifies two factions who are trying to break away from the twig.The political battle in its third day is awaiting the governor’s decision. Tamil Nadu’s interim Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao arrived in the state this afternoon.
The interim chief minister O Panneerselvam met Governor and held discussions for around 15minutes. After the meeting concluded Pannerselvam said,“I briefed the governor about the political developments in the state, want to stress that dharma will win.”
Sasikala, who claims support of 130-odd MLAs made a stopover at the memorial of Jayalalithaa at Marina Beach before heading to Raj Bhavan. Jayalalithaa’s memorial is the same place where Panneerselvam made a dramatic, late-night announcement that he was forced to resign by AIADMK legislators. After paying floral tributes, Sasikala placed a sealed cover, likely the list of MLAs supporting her, at the memorial. She held discussions with the Governor for around 40minutes. Sasikala staked claim to form government and also submitted the list of MLAs supporting her.
Panneerselvam, who surprised everyone by rising in revolt against the CM-designate, in a letter told Bank of India not allow money to be withdrawn from the AIADMK’s accounts without his consent as he was still the party treasurer. He followed it up with the announcement of turning Veda Nilayam, the residence of his predecessor J Jayalalithaa, into a memorial, where Sasikala continues to resides.
Vidya Sagar Rao has witnessed such situation earlier though not in governor’s role when Chandrababu Naidu hid TDP MLAs in Viceroy hotel which led to the downfall of NTR in Andhra Pradesh. In AP, the then governor favoured Naidu, however in this case with just a few days to go for the Supreme Court verdict, Governor may ask Sasikala to wait. Alternatively, he may even invite her to form government with Sasikala having the backing of majority MLAs. In another such scenario, Panneerselvam may be asked to form government and subsequently prove majority in the assembly. With the political crisis in the state worsening with each passing day, the Governor may also decide to impose President’s Rule.
Public opinion appears in favour of Panneerselvam who has first-hand experience in handling the state affairs. Sasikala is rejected on social media and in Chennai for lacking any credential other than being Jayalalithaa’s close aide.
