V K Sasikala, who followed AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa like a shadow for over three decades, may find going tough now. It is almost an enactment of Macbeth in the politics of Tamil Nadu.
Sure, the legislative party of AIADMK might have elected Sasikala as their leader to pave her way to become the Chief Minister, but neither people nor the polity are going to accept this. They will always raise questions on her capability, eligibility and ethics. And they are not at wrong if they do.
Sasikala looks at continuing the legacy of late Jayalalithaa, but how can one overlook the fact that even Jayamma had to fight a long battle to prove her mettle. Sasikala wants to wield complete control over the party and the government, but she has neither the performance nor prowess in her side.
62-year-old Sasikala was next to the shadow of Jayalalithaa. However, this was not enough to propel her to the highest post in the state. One must have political acumen and public support to capture power, neither of which Sasikala possess. After all, her detractors in the party had accused her in 1996 of being responsible for Jayalalithaa's disastrous election defeat during that year.
Sasikala, known as 'Chinamma', was elected as AIADMK General Secretary on December 31 after Jayamma's death on December 6. She emerged as the party's boss though CM O. Panneerselvam managed the state's affairs and that too impressively.
One cannot find any fault with her for having political ambitions. However, a little patience could have helped her. Just five years ago, Jayalalithaa expelled her for anti-party activities though she was taken in within months.
When Jayalalithaa died on December 5, Sasikala was staying with her at Poes Garden. Hence, when today P. H. Pandian alleged that Jayamma was slow poisoned, it was assumed as a direct assault on Sasikala.
Sasikala's presence at Jayalalithaa's bed when the latter was hospitalised on September 22 and her over protectionism thereafter not only raised controversies but conspiracy theories too.
Thus, today, when the people are out on the streets protesting against her elevation, she is seen as the culprit causing disturbance in Tamil Nadu. If she is not feeling the burden of her (supposed) sins, she must be made to feel it. This seems to be the predominant mood. Sasikala could have waited for some more time, but she chose otherwise. Her swiftness has brought the unfolding of drama too soon. One just hopes this drama ends early and Tamil Nadu regains its endearing posture.
Sure, the legislative party of AIADMK might have elected Sasikala as their leader to pave her way to become the Chief Minister, but neither people nor the polity are going to accept this. They will always raise questions on her capability, eligibility and ethics. And they are not at wrong if they do.
Sasikala looks at continuing the legacy of late Jayalalithaa, but how can one overlook the fact that even Jayamma had to fight a long battle to prove her mettle. Sasikala wants to wield complete control over the party and the government, but she has neither the performance nor prowess in her side.
62-year-old Sasikala was next to the shadow of Jayalalithaa. However, this was not enough to propel her to the highest post in the state. One must have political acumen and public support to capture power, neither of which Sasikala possess. After all, her detractors in the party had accused her in 1996 of being responsible for Jayalalithaa's disastrous election defeat during that year.
Sasikala, known as 'Chinamma', was elected as AIADMK General Secretary on December 31 after Jayamma's death on December 6. She emerged as the party's boss though CM O. Panneerselvam managed the state's affairs and that too impressively.
One cannot find any fault with her for having political ambitions. However, a little patience could have helped her. Just five years ago, Jayalalithaa expelled her for anti-party activities though she was taken in within months.
When Jayalalithaa died on December 5, Sasikala was staying with her at Poes Garden. Hence, when today P. H. Pandian alleged that Jayamma was slow poisoned, it was assumed as a direct assault on Sasikala.
Sasikala's presence at Jayalalithaa's bed when the latter was hospitalised on September 22 and her over protectionism thereafter not only raised controversies but conspiracy theories too.
Thus, today, when the people are out on the streets protesting against her elevation, she is seen as the culprit causing disturbance in Tamil Nadu. If she is not feeling the burden of her (supposed) sins, she must be made to feel it. This seems to be the predominant mood. Sasikala could have waited for some more time, but she chose otherwise. Her swiftness has brought the unfolding of drama too soon. One just hopes this drama ends early and Tamil Nadu regains its endearing posture.
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