Jayalalitha Successor Panneerselvam

As Tamil Nadiu Chief Minister Jayalailthaa’s health condition seems to be causing grave concern, her party leaders said to be reached to a consensus on her successor. Finance Minister O Panneerselvam has emerged as her successor.

All the party MLAs were asked to meet at Apollo Hospital this evening at 6 pm. According to sources among party MLAs and MPs, consensus has evolved favouring Panneerselvam. This evening, party MLAs are likely to be asked to sign on a `advanced declaration’ form `electing Panneerselvam’ as their leader, in the event of some unforeseen development arises.

Known as close confident of Jayalalithss, the finance minister was interim chief minister twice, when Jayalalithaa was forced to set down and presently also holding all ministries held by her, besides presiding over cabinet meetings.

First time, in September 2001, he was the interim Chief Minister for six months when Jayalalithaa was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Tansi land deal case and second in September 2014, after a Bangalore court sentenced Jayalalithaa to four years in jail and fined Rs 100 crore in a corruption case.

After, Jayalalithaa continued to remain in Apollo Hospital in Chennai since 22 September, Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao has allocated the portfolios held by her to him and he almost acting as `interium chief minister’, though Jayalalithaa continuing as chief minister of the state.

Panneerselvam, who belongs to the Thevar community, was a son of a “poor farmer” and a “humble man, known for his modesty.

Meanwhile, tension mounting in Chennai and other parts of the state. Police clearing roads leads to Apollo Hospital and heavy security has been deployed at all key areas of the city.

Dr Richard Beale, who was rushed from England to monitor her health consider, said the situation extremely grave but can confirm everything possible being done to give her best chance of surviving.