JOIN USAn era has ended in Tamil Nadu politics with the demise of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. She dominated the state’s politics for about three decades as chief minister and opposition leader, and because of the dominant role she had in the state, she influenced national politics in many ways too, sometimes decisively. She was among the few leaders in the country who had a very large following among the masses, which went much beyond support to high adoration and blind worship. She evoked equally strong feelings among her opponents, too, which was proof of the strong and aggressive nature of her personality. She had talents, intelligence and skills that equipped her to make a mark and succeed in the avocations that she chose. Her strength of will and character, perseverance and the ability to fight adversities took her from her ordinary origins to the high positions she achieved in art, politics and administration. She had the ability to
learn from failures, correct herself and move forward.
Jayalalithaa was controversial and had many contradictions. She faced serious corruption charges, was convicted more than once and served time in jail. Even now, the final word on some cases is yet to be pronounced. She was inaccessible but most popular, dictatorial but populist, ruthless in politics but compassionate in personal life and was instinctive and calculating at the same. She was an accomplished politician and an equally good administrator, known for her efficiency, attention to details and ability to make the bureaucracy work. Some of the welfare schemes that she implemented in Tamil Nadu were pioneering and have greatly benefitted the poor and weaker sections of people. They have especially helped girls and women who became a large support base for her. The role that a woman leader can play in helping and empowering women in their lives is clear from Jayalalithaa’s programmes and policies for women.
Her demise has left a large vacuum in the state’s politics and administration. It is reassuring that no law and order crisis has arisen as it was once feared. A new chief minister, O Panneerselvam, who has served in the past as chief minister in her absence, has been sworn in. The stability and efficiency of the new administration will be tested in the coming weeks and months because Panneerselvam will now be on his own. The AIADMK, as a party, will also face challenging times because the unquestioned and absolute leadership which held it together is no more. Since Jayalalithaa was herself the government and the party, and no one else mattered when she was at the helm, there is some uncertainty about the future.