Sasikala Natarajan claims that interim Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam’s revolt, which created uncertainty in the state, is backed by DMK. With all eyes on Provisional Governor C VidyaSagar Rao, the centers involvement is apparent. Even though BJP is denying any role in the uprising, here are the reasons for Modi’s government to participate in Tamil Nadu politics –
Primary reason is the Presidential elections this year. The support of AIADMK is important because of its 37 MPs in Lok Sabha and 13 in Rajya Sabha. BJP wants stable politics in the state and even asked Sasikala to hold on until the Supreme Court’s verdict was out. The judgement could swing any way and if convicted, she will have to step down as CM and this could put the state into fresh crisis. The party is friendly ally of NDA at the center. In Rajya Sabha BJP doesn’t enjoy majority so AIADMK alliance is crucial, if the saffron party wants to choose its own candidate as president.
Secondly, Panneerselvam enjoys a good rapport with the BJP. The political crisis can lead to a vertical split in AIADMK, with the faction led by the interim CM merging with BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a working relationship with Panneerselvam similar to that of Late Jayalalithaa. The saffron party, which hardly has any existence in Tamil Nadu politics, has a significant chance of creating its foot print in Tamil Nadu, with the Panneerselvam bloc if the split is official. It is now certain that Governor CH VidyaSagar Rao who postponed his visit, to ensure that Panneerselvam will have enough time to garner the support.
Finally, Modi during his tenure as CM of Gujarat warned Jayalalithaa about Sasikala and her clan aka Mannargudi Mafia. In 2011 the relationship between Jayalalithaa and Sasikala took a curious twist. Tehelka reported that Jayalalithaa, acting on a tip off from the then CM of Gujarat, expelled Mannargudi from her home and banished them into political exile.
However, Sasikala expected to stake claim to form the government. The governor arrives in the afternoon and is scheduled to meet both Panneerselvam and Sasikala. Meanwhile, AIADMK MLAs who are locked up in a resort in the outskirts of Chennai, will to be paraded before Rao.
