A yagna being performed for Jayalalithaa
AIADMK leader Om Shakti Sekar is one of the many functionaries to organise a special pooja seeking relief for his party president Jayalalithaa in a Rs 66-crore disproportionate assets case. The verdict on Saturday by a court in Bangalore would be a make or break order for the three-time Chief Minister.
"It's a battle between good and the evil and this yagna is to ensure victory for Amma," the politician from Puducherry said.
The 18-year-old case was filed by her arch political rival, the DMK, after her tenure as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister between 1991 and 1996. At the party headquarters in Chennai, a party worker says, "From the bottom of our heart, we believe Amma is spotless."
If convicted, Jayalalithaa will have to step down and look for a loyalist to replace her at the helm.
In 2001, Jayalalithaa elevated O Panneerselvam, a little-known MLA then, as Chief Minister following her conviction in the Tansi land deal case. Though he is a minister now from the strong Thevar community, sources say Jayalalithaa may want to anoint another loyalist.
Topping the list is former Chief Secretary Sheela Balakrishnan, who has been roped in after retirement. Others include former DGP Nataraj, former Advocate General and presently Rajya Sabha MP Navaneedakrishnan, Visalakshi Nedunchezhian, widow of a late senior leader Nedunchzhian and Transport Minister Senthil Balaji.
"Jayalalithaa wouldn't want to make Mr Paneerselvam a power centre within the party. She may want to anoint an insignificant person," said a political analyst who did not wish to be named.
The DMK calls this an open and shut case and is confident of a conviction. But Jayalalithaa herself appears unruffled.
Her cadre is hopeful of a clean chit, just like the other 12 acquittals in similar cases against her.