Speaker to wait for PM Modi before unveiling Jayalalithaa's portrait

Despite the tension between the Tamil Nadu government and Narendra Modi in the past years, this gesture by the present chief minister of the state speaks about a lot of probablities. A portrait of former chief minister of Tamil Nadu-J Jayalalithaa- will be unveiled in the assembly, but what is more striking is the fact that the ministers are waiting for Modi's approval of a date and time to grace the function.

Speaking to reporters, speaker P Dhanapal confirmed, "We will have the function when PM gives date." It was reported that the chief minister had requested Narendra Modi for his presence as a chief guest in the function when the former had visited New Delhi recently. In the invite to Modi, Palaniswami told Modi that Jayalalithaa had dedicated her entire life for the people of Tamil Nadu. She also left an indelible mark on the Indian political landscape. 

The invite further said, "A towering personality and statesman like you (PM), who has upheld the finest traditions of our vibrant democracy and maintained the cherished values of our Parliamentary system, would be the befitting person to unveil the portrait of our revered leader. The people of TN would be extremely happy if you could kindly consent to unveil the portrait."

Does that mean, Tamil Nadu is aiming to reach a political milestone?

After Jayalalithaa's death, Tamil Nadu is going through a huge "political void" as rightly pointed out by Narendra Modi in his condolence Tweet. However, this could be useful for the national leader in setting foot on the otherwise forbidden land for the BJP. Political analyst Sandeep Shastri, once speaking to a popular news channel had prophesied that with no strong leader, either on the AIADMK or the DMK faction, the political void will prove to be useful for the BJP. 

And as far as DMK's campaign against Centre, which recently made Hindi learning compulsory, has to be considered, it is to be noted that the hue and cry is fizzling out already. Moreover, a state is unlikely to respond to an ailing leader who is represented by his warring sons. The state is in the habit of seeing a unified body of governance, which was prominent during Jayalalithaa's tenure. But, after her death, even the AIADMK is divided, like its popular opposition-DMK. This is presumably the perfect stage for BJP to raise the curtains in the Tamil Nadu political scenario. 

There is another possibility. As idyllic as it may sound, but given the trend of Tamil Nadu politics, Rajinikanth's rumoured entry into the scene may have given way to numerous other probabilities. His inclination toward the BJP and the state's warring factions could not be a mere coincidence. If BJP has to win hearts here, this is the right time, with Rajini as its aide and the unstable political situation in the state as an opportunity. It's high time that the state saw a unified government again!

• tamil nadu
• jayalalithaa