V K Sasikala a close companion of late Jayalalitha has been chosen unanimously by the AIADMK legislature party to be chief minister of Tamil Nadu. In a parliamentary democracy, MLAs choose the CM. But questions have arisen about putting Sasikala in the hot seat by removing O Paneerselvam who was appointed CM only two months ago after Jayalalitha’s death. He has been MLA for four terms and had considerable ministerial experience. He was also Jaya’s nominee every time she had to quit office. Sasikala says that Paneerselvam himself wanted her to be CM. The latter only offered personal reasons for his resignation. The rise of Sasikala has generated unease and apprehension in Tamilnadu’s political circles. She has to convince critics that she deserves the trust and confidence reposed in her. She has to get herself elected as an MLA within six months and clear herself of the court cases which may queer her pitch. The AIADMK also has to see that she does not get into trouble during the remainder of the assembly term.
Elections are four years away and the AIADMK is now sitting pretty. Strong government has been a special feature of Tamil Nadu and there should be firm governance under Sasikala. Long strides have been taken in the state in education, agriculture and the process of industrialisation. The Jallikattu agitation however was a setback. The youth of Tamilnadu have taken to violence because of shrinking job opportunities. Drought has led to distress among farmers. Sasikala has her job cut out for her.