BJP is now seen in hurry eyeing political inroads into Tamil Nadu due to the void left by Jayalalithaa’s death. It has been making hectic moves to become closer to Sasikala Natarajan, who is now showing greater authority and chief minister O Panneerselvam. However, unfortunately none of BJP leaders are having intimacy with both of them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried his best consoling Sasikala by placing his hand on her head. With comforting words “any time, any issue, we are there. you can rely on us,” the Prime Minister tried to lure Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, as he left Rajaji Hall after paying homage to Jayalalithaa.
Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu went to the extent of stating that “AIADMK is ideologically near to BJP.” The problem for BJP is that none of its leaders in Tamil Naidu have visible association with Jayalalithaa or any senior leader of AIADMK, or even senior ministers.
Though Modi had cultivated close association with Jayalalithaa since more than a decade that was remained at personal level. Even union ministers like Arun Jaitley and Venkaiah Naidu also having close association with her. But they never attempted to cultivate a `political association’.
Many BJP leaders accuses that it was by influencing Venkaiah Naidu, Jayalalithaa could manage alliance with BJP in 2004, which was drastically turned disastrous to both the parties.
Jayalalithaa’s associates were also said to be unhappy that Modi didn’t bother to visit when she was in hospital for over two and half months. Only it was after Rahul Gandhi’s surprise visit, Arun Jaitly and BJP chief Amit Shah hurriedly landed there.
Though Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai could emerge as a compromise candidate for the post of Chief Minister or Party’s General Secretary, the main problem for him is he is considered as a “Delhi man”, who is said to be close to BJP.
Moreover, for the first time last month AIADMK MPs were seen taking part in a protest in New Delhi along with DMK MPs. This was also said to be with the influence of Sasikala. Due to pending disproportionate assets case in Supreme Court, for the time being she may be forced to maintain silence. But ultimately, she need not blindly depend upon BJP.
