Sasikala’s hopes to be CM of Tamil Nadu have been dashed to the ground. The Supreme Court has upheld a court verdict of 2014 against her for amassing disproportionate wealth. The verdict of the Karnataka Court acquitting her has been set aside. Sasikala has to serve the remainder of a four year prison term and is debarred from contesting elections for six years. Uncertainty has gripped in politics. The ruling AIADMK is heading for a split. Sasikala’s faction has elected Public Works and Highways Minster E.K. Palaniswami the legislature party leader. Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam has been expelled. Acting Governor Vidyasagar Rao has to take prompt action. Tamil Nadu cannot afford a delay which will subvert democracy.
The state is in the grip of drought. There has been an oil spill off the Chennai coast which is an environmental disaster. The GST is coming and the state has to protect its own interests. The Governor has invited Palaniswami to form a government. He has sought lists of supporters from both camps. But he should order a floor test as soon as possible. Inner party democracy in the AIADMK has been threatened by the struggle for succession. Sasikala cannot appeal and cannot survive the indictment as did her mentor J. Jayalalitha. Both the AIADMK and the DMK should change their ways. Inner party democracy calls for transparency. Parties should adapt to the generational transition.
