The beginning of the AIADMK’s end

Now the party is split into two factions headed by Panneerselvam and Sasikala. It could disintegrate further

The conviction of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case has generated a sense of respite among the people of Tamil Nadu, but this is not the end of the political crisis in the state. The selection of Edappadi K Palanisami, to replace Sasikala as CM candidate, does not change the ground realities.

The emerging reality of politics in Tamil Nadu is grim, especially in the AIADMK. If Palanisami wins a floor test, chances are that Sasikala and her extended family will control the party and government. The appointment of her nephew TTV Dinakaran as the party’s general secretary points towards this.

It is almost certain that none in the Sasikala faction can go back to the electorate and seek another term. So, their rationale seems to be: A bird in hand is better than two in the bush.

This is also the final parting of power for O Panneerselvam and his career as a politician with instincts for being at the right place at the right time. He seems to have overestimated the BJP’s manoeuvres and its intimidating outreach through tax nets and surprise raids. Now, the pragmatic course for Sasikala’s supporters is to vote for Palanisami and secure their own term for the next four years.

This does not foreclose the possibility of further splits within the AIADMK — Panneerselvam and Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar joining hands to challenge Sasikala indicate this. The party has already committed a big mistake by choosing Sasikala as the leader.

In challenging Sasikala, Panneerselvam has not shown any courage but a sound reflection of the ground realities. He used the public emotions against Sasikala to his advantage and revealed what a fine weathercock he is with shifting loyalties from Janaki MGR to Jayalalithaa, from Jayalalithaa to Sasikala, and now encashing the memory of Jayalalithaa.

There is virtually no difference between Sasikala and Panneerselvam in terms of their relevance, and commitment to the AIADMK and the state. They reflect the decay and death of politics.

What we’ve now started witnessing in the political dramas of factional loyalties and different camps in the AIADMK is the beginning of the party’s end.

Never in AIADMK’s history have the people been so disillusioned with the party. In the name of statecraft, the arteries of politics have been shut down to facilitate Sasikala’s “elevation” in politics. The people also recognise that Panneerselvam is no more than a false hero and the halo would soon vanish.

In the face of Sasikala’s conviction and with the emergence of Palanisami, the ground realities remain unaltered. A new mask has been introduced, but the dance and drama of Tamil Nadu politics will follow the same old script.