The watch-and-wait approach by Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao to find a way out of the political crisis in Tamil Nadu is warranted. It is apparent that he is looking at a long-term stable arrangement. Against this backdrop, AIADMK interim secretary V.K. Sasikala’s allegation is unfair and unwarranted (“Swearing-in delayed to split party”, Feb.12). In fact her move to bundle MLAs off to a resort near Chennai is strange. She must understand that the Governor is not just thinking about numbers but also keeping his options open in view of the Supreme Court’s judgment in the wealth case. Issuing a veiled threat is provocative and unjustified.
K.R. Srinivasan,
Secunderabad
The Constitution may have a provision for an unelected “leader” of a party in the majority to be sworn in, but this is also a case where a sword of Damocles hangs over her head in the form of the Supreme Court’s judgment. The Governor is well within his rights to weigh the consequences of a possible adverse judgment. It was only recently that young people demonstrated the power of their opinion on the sands of the Marina. It is their future which is at stake now and their balanced view is important. They should ensure that democracy functions without shackles in Tamil Nadu.
V.N. Ramachandran,
Coimbatore
The majority being claimed by one of the factions seems to be a mirage, with most of it melting slowly under strong public opinion. The heavens are not going to fall if the Governor chooses to wait for a couple of days as it is in the best interests of democracy. Incidentally, there appears to be a gross disconnect between the leadership of the party, the cadres, and the common man.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,
Bengaluru
Ms. Sasikala may be perceived to be unpopular, not “qualified” to lead the State, and come with the baggage of a still-to-be decided court verdict determining her future. Such extraneous considerations should not in any way justify the procrastination by the Governor to arrive at a decision. The State’s administration has ground to a halt as law makers are now in two groups making all out efforts to retain power. What if the Supreme Court decides to transfer the assets case back to Karnataka? Will the Governor wait again?
V. Subramanian,
Thane, Maharashtra
Raj Bhavan is not doing any favour to the people of Tamil Nadu by delaying government formation. Months of inactivity and prolonged confusion have changed the dynamics of politics in a State long known for its political bipolarity. Even if the evolving situation leads to a vertical split in the AIADMK, the ministry formed by either of the two factions will be short-lived as switching allegiances will continue in proportion to the offers of money and power. It would be a hard task for any leader to pass the floor test to stay in power. The Governor has made his position more complex. One senses that the State is heading towards another election.
Haridasan Rajan,
Kozhikode
As a Delhi-ite who stayed in Tamil Nadu for a while, I am pained to see how another calamity, this time man-made, is affecting the common man. None of the two leaders can hope to emulate Jayalalithaa. I hope that the glorious people of Tamil Nadu are not swayed by the unfolding drama and make it clear that they want stable governance.
Amal K. Mandal,
New Delhi
One wishes that Ms. Sasikala has an inner voice that tells her that there are limits to the use of money and muscle power which can only acquire the narrow-minded and selfish MLA but not the will of the people.
The Governor too should observe the people’s will — either give Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam the time he needs to demonstrate his majority or dissolve the State Assembly and call for fresh elections. Given the events following the split, the Governor should be aware of the grave danger being posed to democracy.
M.M. Karthik,
Modakkurichi, Erode, Tami l Nadu
Most people seem to be talking about only Mr. Panneerselvam or Ms. Sasikala. No one seems to be concerned about what is in store for the State of Tamil Nadu over the next four years. A split in the party seems inevitable. Above all, the administrative machinery under a divided ruling party will be crippled at a time when the State is facing serious problems.
The leaders in the AIADMK have lost their credibility irretrievably. In one way or other each one of them has betrayed the people of the State who voted them to power. A fresh election may be held after a phase of President’s Rule and the drought-like situation eases.
M.R. Anand,
Chennai
The events show that most political parties have become centred around one person; without his/her existence, its survival as an entity becomes bleak, which is not a sign of a stable democratic system. It’s unfortunate that the people of Tamil Nadu are witnessing the true colours of their politicians for whom position and power matter more than the great responsibility they bear — of safeguarding the well being of the people.
B. Vinutna,
Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
