After Jayalalithaa’s demise, Centre looks to ensure political stability in Tamil Nadu

Now, though her trusted lieutenant O Panneerselvam – who had twice stood in for her when she had to step down as Chief Minister – has been elected to lead the government in her stead, he does not enjoy the status of the unquestioned supremo that Jayalalithaa did. “It was with the arrival of Sasikala and her family members I was ousted from Veda Nilayam, the residence of Jayalalithaa”. “She was known for her dancing and dubbed the Queen of Tamil Cinema”.

Jayalalithaa, a spinster who never shied away from flaunting her religious identity and beliefs, was surprisingly buried and not cremated. But after his death, there was uncertainty over her political career as AIADMK was split into two – one headed by Janaki, wife of MG Ramachandran and other by Jayalalithaa.

Numerous women mourners could be seen screaming hysterically and weeping although there were no reports of serious unrest amid a large security presence.

“She was popular among the people of Tamil Nadu because she was a good administrator”, said one expat housewife who did not want to be named.

“Selvi Jayalalithaa was a true leader of the masses and her followers fondly called her “Amma”, meaning mother, and “Puratchi Thalaivi” meaning a revolutionary leader”, Mahajan said. She was always great.

Now that she has gone, the police are hoping they are prepared for the expected deluge of emotion. “Her demise has left a vacuum in public life which can not be filled”, he said.

A grim-faced Panneerselvam, who was also seen sporting a beard, was sworn in around 1.15 AM early today by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at the Raj Bhavan here amidst a pall of gloom, shortly after Jayalalithaa’s death.

“Struggle was her middle name and victory was her last name”, ATS President Prakash Swamy said in a statement.

BBC in an article said that “Jayaram Jayalalitha was one of India’s most colourful and controversial politicians, adored by some and condemned by others”.

Tamil Nadus 19th Chief Minister (she was also the 11th, 14th, 16th and 18th) J. Jayalalithaa, who died on December 5, 2016, was known for gifting her 72 million people a record set of freebies, but she also leaves behind a state that ranks among Indias top five in many social, crime and industrial indicators.

Jayalalithaa, 68, had been hospitalized since September, suffering from a fever, dehydration and a respiratory infection.

“The people are very depressed”. But as we know now, that wasn’t meant to happen.

The controversies included land deals, mismanaging funds as well as amassing assets disproportionate to her income. Her father, a lawyer, died when she was two.

Security had been reinforced across Tamil Nadu ahead of Jayalalitha’s death over fears of an emotional reaction.

To fill out the large vacuum left by Jayalalithaa in the state is not an easy job and only time will tell if he is up to the task. There were a number of corruption charges that were leveled against her.

Her conviction, later overturned on appeal, sparked mass protests and even some reported suicides.

A leading educationist in Chennai, Maalathi Kumar, says “Every girl or woman in this state has been directly or indirectly influenced by her”.