J Jayalalithaa's close companion Sasikala Natarajan, always her faithful shadow, remained firmly by her side on Tuesday as lakhs streamed into a public hall in Chennai to pay their last respects to the four-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Sasikala's family members flanked the body, not any leader of Jayalalithaa's AIADMK or even her loyalist O Panneerselvam, who kept her photo on the dais as he took oath as Chief Minister late last night.
The dominating presence of Sasikala, in a black sari and red-rimmed eyes, was seen by many as symbolic of the power that the former video store owner enjoyed for decades as the other occupant of Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden home in Chennai.
But this part of the succession plan may not be as smooth as Panneerselvam's appointment, for which party leaders projected a united front.
Sasikala has never held a post either in the government or the party - and that is how Jayalalithaa kept it for three decades, even though she confided in her and relied on her for advice.
Sasikala was introduced to Jayalalithaa in the 1980s and, over the years, became a permanent presence in her life and her home.
In December 2011, the besties fell apart and Jayalalithaa briefly expelled Sasikala, her husband and family members from the party, suspecting that they were plotting against her. It didn't last. Four months later, Sasikala publicly distanced herself from her family and was back with her "Akka" (sister).
MK Stalin Asks Centre To Recall Tamil Nadu Governor In Row Over Anthem No Mention Of Sabotage In Joint Inspection Report On Train Collision Near Chennai Rain Continues In Chennai For 2nd Day, Waterlogging Reported In Many Areas Hamas Confirms Yahya Sinwar Killed By Israel, Won't Free Hostages Until... MK Stalin Asks Centre To Recall Tamil Nadu Governor In Row Over Anthem Drone Footage Of Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar's Last Moments Released By Israel UPSC ESE 2025: Application Window Reopens, Check Deadline And Key Details Australia's Northern Territory To Soon Resume Jailing 10-Year-Olds If You Doing Things After Eating A Meal, You Must Stop Right Away Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.