'Amit Shah Chanakya of politics': How netizens reacted to Sasikala's move to 'step aside' from politics

Political observers are of the view that the AIADMK would benefit from the decision of Sasikala

Ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala's sudden announcement to "stay away from politics" weeks ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has taken everyone by surprise.

Since the move comes just a week after she appealed to the “true loyalists” of Jayalalithaa to “unite” to ensure that the AIADMK government is voted back to power in the April 6 assembly elections, netizens are busy exploring the reasons behind the move.

Also read: Sasikala 'steps aside' from politics ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, says she never aspired for any post

While some hailed Home Minister Amit Shah as the "Chanakya of politics" and pointed out that Sasikala's "game ended without even starting", others claimed that that the close aide of Jayalalithaa is only "staying away" not quitting from politics.

Amit Shah: The "Chanakya of politics"

'Stalin shocked'

In her statement, Sasikala called for unity among the "true supporters" of late AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa to keep the "common enemy" DMK away from power. Twitterati wondered whether her move is solely to benefit the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the Assembly polls which will be held in a single-phase on April 6, 2021.

Exploring the "game-plan", a social media user said that Sasikala's move is the most logical way to make "a formidable alliance" because whether she stands with or against the AIADMK, it would create trouble for the alliance.

The announcement came as a bolt out of the blue especially after her grand return from Bengaluru last month led to expectations that she would play a big role in the run-up to the elections in which the ruling AIADMK is eyeing a record third term.

Some users claimed that she will be back after the 2021 Assembly polls as she never mentioned "quitting".

Political observers are also of the view that the AIADMK would benefit from the decision of Sasikala, whose bid to become Chief Minister in February 2017 came to nought with the Supreme Court sentencing her to four-year imprisonment in the Rs 66.65 crore assets case.

"I will stay away from politics and keep praying my sister Puratchi Thalaivi (Jayalalithaa), whom I consider as God, and the Lord Almighty for the establishment of the golden rule of Amma," Sasikala said.

The 69-year-old, considered a powerful confidante of Jayalalithaa and said to have enjoyed a say in party affairs, insisted she never yearned for power or authority. "I have never yearned for power or authority. I will be ever indebted to Puratchi Thalaivi and the people of Tamil Nadu," she said.

The DMK, eyeing to capture power after being in the Opposition for ten years, are in talks with Congress over seat-sharing for the upcoming polls. After party leader Rahul Gandhi did not speak about the DMK alliance during his recent campaign in Tamil Nadu, it is speculated that there is a possible rift between the allies.

The surprise announcement will come as a disappointment to DMK which was hoping that Sasikala's “re-entry” into politics will create confusion within the AIADMK.

Sasikala had earlier said she would be in active politics.

(With PTI inputs)