Post Jaya, AIADMK on test

Political stability may well be a badly needed commodity in Tamil Nadu in the days to come. Since J Jayalalithaa did not — could not — leave a succession plan, second-rung leaders may jostle for the leadership space just vacated. For how long the grief over a dead leader binds them together remains to be seen. The AIADMK successfully met the first challenge by putting up almost a united show in the installation of O Panneerselvam as Chief Minister, leaving no room for uncertainty and speculation. On surface, everything went very well. Reports suggest that Jayalalithaa’s confidante, Sasikala Natarajan, wanted to impose her own leadership choice on the MLAs, who turned it down and opted for someone Amma had long trusted and given the job twice in the past when courts had unseated her. 

However, Sasikala’s presence or preferences cannot be entirely wished away. She has so far not held any post either in the government or the party. This was the clever political arrangement Jayalalithaa had made. However, this may not last. Failing to have her way in the CM selection, Sasikala may try to control the party through her own faithful as General Secretary, the other significant post held by Jaya. What may jeopardise her political ambitions is the disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa in which she is a co-accused. For now a dual power centre has emerged but Sasikala cannot be a public face either of the government or the party. This incongruity will take time to be sorted out.

Though corruption is known to cut at the root of governance, charismatic political leaders often get away with it. So did Jaya. As Chief Minister between 1991 and 1996 she was accused of acquiring Rs 63 crore worth assets disproportionate to her income. Long in the grip of a personality cult, Tamil Nadu needs good, clean governance. It has to come out of the freebie culture that aims to build a personality rather than the state. The new Chief Minister will have to step out of the shadows of Jayalalithaa, end the coterie raj and prove his mettle.