Tamil Nadu polls: Sasikala takes front seat, invokes Jaya’s name & style

Former chief minister J Jayalithaa often campaigned from her campaign vehicle, with her close aide V K Sasikala seated in the back, watching as constituents and media gathered around her van. Sasikala has now moved to the front.Evoking memories of Jayalalithaa’s roadshows, Sasikala delivers short speeches from her van at key constituencies in south Tamil Nadu. Only, she contests the ‘two leaves’ symbol. “I want people to decide whether they want a rule of betrayers and evil forces or one by selfless leaders,” she says at Thiruparankundram in Madurai, before moving to Arapalayam.On Arappalayam cross road, her party’s candidate stands with folded hands on a platform about 300ft away, reminiscent of the way Jayalalithaa’s candidates were presented during her campaigns.In her five-minute speeches, she takes indirect jabs at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Sasikala, who floated her party All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam just before the election announcement, has fielded candidates in 75 constituencies. Most of them are from southern districts, eyeing Thevar votes.She also recalls her association with Jayalalithaa. “As soon as I reached here, my mind goes back to the days when I visited the place with Amma,” Sasikala says, turning emotional at Theni’s Andipatti. A few people from the crowd reach out, asking her not to worry. “We are there for you,” shouts one.On the banners around, Sasikala is placed alongside MGR and Jayalalithaa, with posters calling her ‘Thyaga Thalaivi’ instead of ‘Chinnamma’. Political observers note that while the presentation echoes Jayalalithaa, Sasikala’s delivery differs.”Sasikala’s speech is slow and paced but lacks the modulation of Jayalalithaa, who often turned aggressive while targeting M Karunanidhi,” says political commentator Durai Karuna.He said Sasikala tried to replicate Jayalalithaa’s persona by adopting the late leader’s hairstyle and trademark green saree but has toned it down after criticism.