Confidante Sasikala holds the reins of power
CONSCIENCE KEEPER Jaya’s confidante for 20 years, Sasikala may emerge as a key figure for rudderless AIADMK
CHENNAI: Some idolise her, others demonise her but no one denies that she was probably the closest to J Jayalalithaa, despite their brief falling out over charges of corruption.
Sasikala Natarajan, a former video parlour owner, wielded significant influence over the departed leader, and is now seen as holding the reins of power both in the party, AIADMK, and the O Panneerselvam-led government. She is believed to have vetted Panneerselvam’s nomination as CM. Jayalalithaa’s companion of more than 20 years, Sasikala too was a political outsider who owed her rise to her friendship with the powerful politician.
CHENNAI: As thousands filed past the body of J Jayalalithaa lying in state in the city’s Rajaji Hall, one person who stood motionless close by was Sasikala Natarajan.
The Tamil Nadu chief minister’s closest companion during the last 20 years of her life was by her side even after death. Having stood by Jayalalithaa through thick and thin, Sasikala, clad in a black saree, continued to stand her ground on Tuesday.
She had come in contact with Jayalalithaa following the Emergency. As Jayalalithaa rose up the AIADMK ranks, Sasikala, 59, became a regular by her side. In late 2011, however, she was expelled from the AIADMK, but reinstated three months later, in March 2012.
Described by many as ‘Amma’s’ conscience keeper, the question now is whether Sasikala will emerge as a central figure for the rudderless party workers to rally around? There is also speculation whether she will be able to hold the party and guide it like Jayalalithaa?
“The party is in her hands for some time now. Ever since she came back to the party in 2012, she has grown in power and it is even said that all decisions, administrative and political, have her stamp on it,” a senior Tamil media journalist, who did not want to be identified, said.
“To me it now appears that O Panneerselvam — sworn in as the chief minister hours after Jayalalithaa’s death — is an interim arrangement,” AR Venkatachalapathy, a historian of the Dravidian movement, said.
While Sasikala, Jayalalithaa’s closest confidante for more than two decades, stood in silent vigil beside the body kept in an open area above the steps, her relatives circled around even as crowds jostled for space. They included her brother Dhivaharan, sister-in-law and sons-in-law of her brother.
Incidentally, Jayalalithaa’s niece, Deepa Jayakumar, finally got to see her powerful aunt — to pay tribute — after having not been allowed to meet her at Apollo Hospitals twice in the last 74 days.
The large presence of Sasikala’s kin evoked both awe and derision. “Look at all the people out there on the stage, they will all stick together for the sake of power for the next four and a half years,” said an AIADMK functionary. His barb was directed at the party’s ministers and MLAs as well as Sasikala.
Several of those filing past were more caustic. “What do we know about Sasikala? Amma should not have taken Sasikala back. She cheated and backstabbed her,” said Roopa, a party worker, referring to fallouts and reconciliations between the two.