O Panneerselvam vs Sasikala: What can happen in Tamil Nadu politics now?
Synopsis
From a split in the party to President's rule, Tamil Nadu's AIADMK could come crumbling down. Is the BJP seeing Tamil Nadu gates opening for its entry? How can a Chief Minister, who resigned, prove his majority?
It is no surprise that one of the largest parties in Indian politics - AIADMK - has split into two factions. Many uncanny resemblances to the past are being witnessed now as well. In 1972, MG Ramachandran was expelled from the post of treasurer in the DMK. And it was after this that the puratchi Thalaivar set the ball rolling with his new party - AIADMK.
And now we have O Panneerselvam (OPS), hailed as 'puratchi Tamizha' after his dramatic speech at Marina, expelled from the treasurer's post. Post MGR, Jaya fought Janaki and got to the Chief Minister's chair. Post Jaya, it is Paneerselvam vs Sasikala fighting for the CM's chair.
With the unfolding of several gripping sequences with the acting Chief Minister and CM designate over the last 24 hours, let's have a look at the possible consequences that Tamil Nadu's and AIADMK's future will witness:
1. The Governor might request O Paneerselvam to continue with the responsibility of CM until further arrangements are made. Hence, even if OPS has formally resigned, he has the chance to prove his majority on the floor of the state assembly House.
2. The Governor could simply seek the opinion of CM designate Sasikala, who may have the chance to convince him that she has the support of a majority of MLAs/MPs. And post that a swearing-in ceremony for Sasikala could take place.
3. The Opposition could grab this plum opportunity and make use of the split to join hands with OPS. This can be a huge setback for Sasikala and cause a permanant divide in the AIADMK.
4. The Governor could opt for President's rule for the time being and wait until the outcome of the DA case against Sasikala. He could then decide his further course of action at a more favourable time.
5. And lastly, and perhaps with some difficulty, the BJP could join hands with OPS, and try to make inroads into Tamil Nadu through this split.