Tamil Nadu Politics : Meditated Assertion

Sasikala’s ascendance to power was expected. As she formally staked claim to form the government, the long awaited assertion by amma loyalist CM O Panneerselvam vented unease among  the cadres of AIADMK by challenging Chinamma

Venkatesan T S from Tamil Nadu

After successfully showing his willingness to be a goat
waiting for slaughter (to be politically finished off by) in the hands of ‘Mannarkudi Mafia’, this  submissive soldier of AIADMK, proved his mettle and created a ripple in the stormy in Sasikala camp, by pouring out of his heart all that  had happed after Jayalalaithaa’s death.
Former AIADMK supreme and CM Jayalalithaa’s Man Friday, O Pannerselvam (OPS), has been  a man of limited words and has proved the old saying ‘Silence is gold’ even as he openly raised a banner of revolt against the wealthy and mighty ‘Mannarkudi mafia’ led by VK Sasikala, also known as Chinamma by her vassals. By breaking his long stoic silence, the suave, affable OPS, with his calculated move check- mated Sasikala’s dream of taking over the reins of the State, at least for the time being.

Tamil Nadu Politics : Chinamma as Tamil Nadu CM ?

Later, things moved in a fast  speed as  AIADMK MLAs chose her as the leader of the legislature party and OPS announced his resignation on personal grounds. Supporters of Sasikala  started sprucing the Madras University Centenary building for the swearing- in ceremony  slated to be held on February 7. Little did  they know that it would never come about as planned since the Governor Ch Vidyasagagar Rao, who is holding additional charge for Tamil Nadu, was in Delhi to meet officials there. From there he returned to Mumbai to take part in the already committed functions. His return to Chennai to conduct the swearing-in ceremony became uncertain.   While everyone in the Sasikala camp had been waiting for the Governor’s appointment, on the Marina beach, another development took place that drew the nation’s attention.
Taking the State and media by  surprise, OPS came to Jayalalithaa memorial and sat for  meditation for over 45 minutes. By the time battery of media crew  assembled there, eagerly waiting for his sound bites. As  expected he spoke uninterruptedly for over 30 minutes by pouring his heart. He accused  Sasikala  of scheming to isolate him and taking over the  administration of state. He said that he was hounded like a wolf, humiliated, shown disrespect. The ministers were asked to speak freely criticising his functioning. His request  to rein them fell on deaf ears. “ When Amma was in hospital, I was not allowed to see her. When Amma was receiving treatment at Apollo, I was approached by party leaders to fulfill the responsibility of retaining the government and power. They said that Amma had declared that party’s presidium chairman E Madhusoodhanan should be made General Secretary and I should be Chief Minister. I refused to agree to this. They told me that no other name would be publicly acceptable to fill in her shoes. I did not want to bring shame to the party, so I agreed. Two or three days after I took oath, Health Minister Vijayabhaskar came to me and said that Divakaran was eyeing the general secretary post for Sasikala.   Vijayabhaskar suggested me that we should leave the posts and  ensure our  safety. I told him that we should carry out the responsibilities that Amma had outlined for us.”  Elaborating further, he said, “When the jallikattu had reached its nadir,  I as chief minister approached PM Narendra Modi regarding the ordinance and
amendment. On the other hand, deputy speaker Thambidurai came there with 50 MPs and sought an appointment to meet the PM. When I returned, I expressed my displeasure over this. But I received no relief. Amma had left behind a strong party and government in our hands. We should have been working to make her name stand out brighter. Instead, I was being insulted after having been made to occupy the Chief Minister’s seat” .  
Recalling the efforts put in by his government, including the relief work during Cyclone Vardah, the initiative to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to seek drinking water for Chennai, and  finally the handling of the jallikattu protests, he said this had irked Sasikala and family.
OPS said that he was warned that arrangements need to be made to make Sasikala the Chief Minister and General Secretary. “I had no idea that a meeting of the MLAs had taken place. It took place without my  knowledge. They threatened to take disciplinary action against me if I refused to toe their line. Some of the party leaders threatened me that I have to take initiative towards making Sasikala as the Chief Minister. I asked them how far was this justified? What was need and urgency? Then, I was compelled to sign the resignation letter on February 5.”  
 “Someone chosen by the grassroots cadre should be the general secretary, someone acceptable to the people should be the Chief Minister. I am  prepared to stand alone and fight forthis, I am ready for it,” said OPS.
Stating that his conscience was not letting him keep mum anymore, OPS declared that he would fight, even if alone, to ensure that someone that had the support of the people — and not just the MLAs — would become the Chief Minister.
Perhaps as a sign of things to come, the Ministers and many MLAs  rushed to Poes Garden immediately after Panneerselvam’s shocking public revolt.  Following his outbursts, Poes Garden, where Sasikala is housed, was fortified with additional forces.  Within an hour of OPS meeting the media, a message flashed in television channels saying he was relieved of the post of treasurer.
Prior to his revolt against Sasikala, another AIADMK strongman, former Speaker of the State Assembly, P H Pandian, who thundered he had  claimed “sky high-power” in 80s when MGR was at the helm, levelled serious allegations against Sasikala and her clan. Pandian, one of the AIADMK founding leaders and his son Manoj Pandian, cast doubts over the  circumstances that led to the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He demanded that  events that took place ahead of the leader’s
hospitalisation involving those at Veda Nilayam, Jayalalithaa’s residence should be probed. Pandian, an expert in criminology and forensic sciences, said  that there was secrecy maintained in the hospital. “My  attempts to check on the ailing leader during my visit to the hospital proved futile, Sasikala’s family took centre stage after the leader’s death. I found Sasikala
wearing a jacket of James Bond and leading a procession of her family on the corridors. They had no tears and no wails,” he added.
“We believe Amma (Jayalalithaa) was poisoned. It is the truth. AIADMK cadres have not accepted Sasikala as their leader. In fact, V K Sasikala is just the temporary general secretary of the AIADMK. Only 2,500 people who came to the general council (on December 29, 2016) appointed her,” Manoj, a former Rajya Sabha MP, said.  
Manoj Pandian claimed that late Jayalalithaa had informed him and a group of leaders in 2012 that she feared being poisoned and had “cut off” all relations with family members of V K Sasikala. “She told me that Sasikala is there in Poes Garden only because she needs someone to take care of her and help her. She did not want her to be her political heir. She feared that she might be poisoned,” Manoj explained.
Both questioned the haste with which Sasikala was appointed as party general secretary and finally as
legislature party leader. Immediately, senior leaders Panruti S Ramachandran, K A Sengottaiyan refuted allegations levelled by PH Pandian and his son. They told reporters at the party headquarters that Pandian was duty bound to produce evidence while casting doubts over the death of Jayalalithaa. They said that he was never loyal to Jayalalithaa and had colluded with the DMK in filing
criminal cases against her in 1996.
The Man Friday of late J Jayalalithaa chose to break his silence on the happenings in the party ever since the death of his mentor on December 5, saying he was being “insulted” by senior ministers and leaders who sought to “undermine” him after electing him the Chief Minister. OPS recalled,  “For 75 days I went to the hospital. But I could not  meet her even once. Even my family members used to ask me  everyday whether I had seen Amma. At one stage, I even thought of  lying that  I had met her. But I did not do so”.  Addressing mediapersons outside his residence,  he said, “There have been doubts about Amma’s death. An
investigation commission headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge is needed to look into her death as it is the duty of a government to eliminate doubts of people. We will constitute a committee.” OPS stated that he had never been disloyal to the AIADMK, as accused by party general secretary  Sasikala and her supporters. “I have been following the footsteps of Amma and I will continue to do so,” he said.
Former minister Munusamy, AIADMK Rajya Sabha member Maithreyan, former Electricity Minister ‘Natham’ Viswanathan, actor and director K Bhagyaraj were among those who met  Panneerselvam.  Scores of AIADMK supporters from across the State have been thronging the residence of Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam to express solidarity with him. Several cadres, who were seen outside his house on Greenways Road, raised slogans hailing ‘Amma’ (Jayalalithaa) and vowed they will never call anyone as ‘Chinamma’ (referring to Sasikala).   Posters and placards with messages like “Save AIADMK. Make OPS as Chief Minister,” reverberated the area.  
Many leaders have been in touch  with Jayalalithaa’s niece Deep Jayakumar who  announced to a float new party on her aunt’s birthday on  February 24.  “There is no change in my plan, I will continue with my
proposed plan (announcing her course of action on February 24),” Deepa said. “I have not personal invite from the Chief Minister OPS. If it comes I will consider” she said to a question.
Many ask why he was silent till now and should have rather come out open earlier. But the fact is that he had been  weighing the pros and cons. He needed support. After ascertaing this by speaking to his supporters, legal experts as well with well wishers, OPS made this bold move. “It is like a life or death” situation for our leader. He risked. Initially we had doubt. After his revolt, people were hailing his move and pledged their support. Even leaders from the opposition parties welcomed his decision.  Now we are confident that we would win thumps up”, said a functionary in OPS camp.
 “Sasikala’s fate will be sealed next week once the SC gives its verdict in the DA case next week. The EC also sought details of her appointment as General secretary of the party” said a political observer. This would give leverage to OPS and many fence sitters would move to his camp.
 Except the Pleasant Stay Hotels case, Sasikala was convicted in all other three cases along with Jayalalithaa. Several cases are pending in court against V K Sasikala and her extended  family members. Her
husband Natarajan is still battling two cases relating to import of a Lexus car. While he was convicted in the CBI case, and the appeal is pending in the HC, the ED proceedings have picked up momentum before an economic offences court in the city. Her nephew TTV Dinakaran is facing an ED fine of  Rs 28 crore for FERA violations. Her kin V N Sudhagaran and J Ilavarasi are also co-accused in the Rs 66-crore DA case, the verdict of which is
still pending.
An online petition seeking the President’s intervention in ensuring Sasikala is not sworn in as CM of the state citing pending cases has gone viral with more than 1.70 lakh people signing it in just 36 hours.
OPS insisted that he continued to be AIADMK treasurer and letters were addressed to the Chief Managers of Karur  bank in Chennai not to allow anyone else to operate the party’s accounts.
In separate letters to the two banks, located at Mylapore area, he said that under the relevant party laws, he continued to be the AIADMK treasurer.
“In accordance with bye law 20, sub-clause 5 in the party constitution in continuance of my appointment as treasurer of AIADMK party by Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, I request you not to permit anyone else to operate our AIADMK party’s current account without my written consent and instructions,” he informed in the
letters.
OPS  cited that Rule 20 contemplates that the party General Secretary shall be elected by the party’s primary members.
“Presently the post of General Secretary of AIADMK remains vacant as the appointment to the said post, which fell vacant upon the demise of Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, is yet to be made in accordance with Rule 20 sub clause 2 of the said by law,” he quoted in the letter.
After the AIADMK MLAs met at the party headquarters, general secretary VK Sasikala said that she had got wind of Panneerselvam’s moves a few days ago itself and asserted that the party remained united and would not be cowed down by such threats. “Betrayal will never win, especially in AIADMK…All these years, I have lived for Amma and will spend the rest of my life fulfilling her dreams,” she said. By late noon on Wednesday, 130 AIADMK MLAs were taken in a bus to a hotel, presumably in preparation for a no-trust motion against caretaker Chief Minister OPS. As the State Assembly had only adjourned sine die and was not prorogued, an Assembly session to vote on the motion may be called soon.
The AIADMK  claimed that 131 out of its 134 MLAs attended the meeting chaired by Sasikala to discuss the fall-out of the revolt by caretaker Chief Minister OPS. Sasikala said “betrayal” will never win in the AIADMK and blamed arch rival DMK for trying to destabilise her party.  “That is why there is this flutter. Neither AIADMK nor I will be cowed down by this,” she told in a meeting of party MLAs convened here to discuss the situation arising out of  Panneerselvam’s revolt against her.
Party spokesperson CR Saraswathi said “True AIADMK supporters” will not desert the party as they are “Amma’s loyalists” and asserted that Sasikala will take over as Chief Minister.
“As far as we are concerned, about 131 MLAs have come here (party headquarters). We are Amma’s (Jayalalithaa’s) loyalists. How can we leave? Chinnamma (Sasikala) will come as Chief Minister,” she said.      
After the midnight rebellion, Sasikala called a meeting of party MLAs at the party headquarters in a show of strength on Wednesday and later herded them in four  buses,  with Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh registration,  to Mahabalipuram, in a five star hotel.
Hitting back at  Sasikala, DMK Working President MK Stalin said it had nothing to with the ruling dispensation’s “internal squabbles” and accused the AIADMK General Secretary of making false allegations after failing to become Chief Minister through a “short cut”. Stalin, Opposition Leader in the State assembly, also sought a CBI probe into OPS allegations that he was forced to resign to make way for Sasikala. He also asked Sasikala to respond to Panneerselvam’s various allegations rather than pointing fingers at his party and accused her of trying to find a way out of the problems in her party.
“Unable to become Chief Minister through a short cut, she has made a fake allegation against  the DMK just to find a way out of the problems,” he said.     However, Sasikala’s wait to get  sworn-in as Chief Minister was far from ending with Governor Vidyasagar Rao still staying put up in Mumbai and giving no indication of his plans to come to Chennai.
By openly saying that he resigned under duress, OPS has given a strong message for the Governor to take any action. As caretaker he can continue as long as long as the Governor deems.
Expressing her readiness to “face any probe” over the death of J Jayalalithaa, AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala said that she hopes the Tamil Nadu Governor would “uphold the Constitution” and invite her to take oath as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. In an interview to a teevision channel Sasikala  said that she was pained at the “politicisation of Amma’s death.”
Sasikala said that she was looking for an “explanation” as to why Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao refused to give her an audience despite many requests. “We tried to meet him, but were told that the Governor was in Ooty. I hope the Governor protects the Constitution and upholds the dignity of law,” she said in an interview.
Legal opinion differs. “Once
resignation is accepted by the Governor, he would not withdraw it. The Governor may ask him to prove his majority on the floor or
alternatively call Sasikala, who claims the support of 131 MLAs to prove so. The Governor would wait for the SC verdict. If the Governor is not inviting Sasikala to form government, AIADMK may expel OPS and a no confidence motion will be brought in. Now the assembly has been adjourned sine die”, said a legal expert. As each hour and day passes with suspense, it is difficult to  predict the final  outcome. Governor met with both the leaders and sought opinion of Attorney General, when the last report came in.