V.K. Sasikala becoming the General Secretary of the AIADMK is no surprise (“Sasikala rising”, Dec.30). Her status as Jayalalithaa’s closest friend naturally left no rival for the post. Only an adverse verdict in the disproportionate assets case can stand in her way of further solidifying her position as the most powerful person in Tamil Nadu.
As of now, how effectively a self-effacing person like Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam can function as Chief Minister in the shadow of an almost omnipotent General Secretary is a pertinent question. An extra-constitutional authority in the State is the last thing Tamil Nadu needs. Meanwhile, that AIADMK members are seeking the Nobel Peace Prize for the late Chief Minister is ludicrous.
C.G. Kuriakose,
Kothamangalam
Given that Jayalalithaa did not appoint anyone within the AIADMK to be her political heir, it is natural that a popular and charismatic person in the party would take the lead. Ms. Sasikala seems to be the right choice for leading the party. By virtue of her long association with Jayalalithaa, she has been admired and recognised by the leaders of other political parties too. Sitting in the backseat, Ms. Sasikala was perhaps trained by Jayalalithaa for administering both the party and the State. This decision will prevent the party from disintegrating.
R. Murali Kumar,
Chennai
Ms. Sasikala’s nomination speaks volumes about the dwindling values in the functioning of political parties. The sole criterion for her elevation is her strong association with Jayalalithaa. It is baffling that seniority, experience and integrity of other leaders don’t stand a chance in the way of sycophancy.
D. Manohara Rao,
Visakhapatnam
