Who next for Tamil Nadu?
29 Sept 2014 4:43 AM IST
Earlier in 2001, Jayalalithaa had to step down as chief minister following a Supreme Court verdict which held that she cannot hold office after being convicted for criminal offences. She had to quit as chief minister and made O Panneerselvam, a senior minister in her government, the chief minister.
In 2002, she again became the chief minister after being acquitted by the Madras High Court. She was later elected from Andipatti constituency.
Now, there are speculations that the party top leaders after discussing with Amma have shortlisted six strong contenders for the post of chief minister.
Informed sources said those in the race are party leaders like Sheela Balakrishnan, A.
Navaneethakrishnan, Visalakshi Nedunchezhiyan (90), O Panneerselvam, A W Rabi Bernard (former journalist, Rajya Sabha MP and Jayalalithaa loyalist) and R Vishwanathan (currently minister for electricity, prohibition and excise) Sheela, a 1976 batch IAS officer and a former chief secretary of Tamil Nadu, is considered one of the close confidants of Jayalalithaa.
Among six contenders, her chance of becoming the chief minister is very high. Navaneethakrishnan was with the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) before Jayalalithaa announced his name as party candidate for Rajya Sabha by-poll. He was the advocate-general between 2011 and 2013.
Visalakshi joined the AIADMK in 2000 and is the organising secretary of the party and a member of the party’s parliamentary board. Her chances are also high but considering her age party leaders are thinking of someone who can run the party efficiently in absence of Jayalalithaa in the midst of many challenges which the party will face in coming days.
In 2002, she again became the chief minister after being acquitted by the Madras High Court. She was later elected from Andipatti constituency.
Now, there are speculations that the party top leaders after discussing with Amma have shortlisted six strong contenders for the post of chief minister.
Informed sources said those in the race are party leaders like Sheela Balakrishnan, A.
Navaneethakrishnan, Visalakshi Nedunchezhiyan (90), O Panneerselvam, A W Rabi Bernard (former journalist, Rajya Sabha MP and Jayalalithaa loyalist) and R Vishwanathan (currently minister for electricity, prohibition and excise) Sheela, a 1976 batch IAS officer and a former chief secretary of Tamil Nadu, is considered one of the close confidants of Jayalalithaa.
Among six contenders, her chance of becoming the chief minister is very high. Navaneethakrishnan was with the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) before Jayalalithaa announced his name as party candidate for Rajya Sabha by-poll. He was the advocate-general between 2011 and 2013.
Visalakshi joined the AIADMK in 2000 and is the organising secretary of the party and a member of the party’s parliamentary board. Her chances are also high but considering her age party leaders are thinking of someone who can run the party efficiently in absence of Jayalalithaa in the midst of many challenges which the party will face in coming days.
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