AIADMK : From Amma To Chinamma

Chennai: Sasikala Natarajan, close aide of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, will be the new chief of AIADMK. So far 60 year old Sasikala didn't hold any post in the party. Party sources reveal that if needed rules may be amended to accommodate the decision.

C Ponnaiyan, AIADMK's official spokesperson said "Sasikala Natarajan has functioned as the conscience of Amma Jayalalithaa. It is the party's desire to work under her control"

She has a very long association with Jayalalithaa and performed her last rites also. During Jayalalithaa's regime, observers say that sometimes Sasikala acted as defacto authority also.

The AIADMK has been dominated by two intermediate castes Kongu Vellalars and Mukkulathors. Kongu Vellalars are dominant in the western part of the State where as Mukkulathors are present in southern and central districts.

Sasikala hails from Mukkulathor community. Well placed sources said that she had often favoured people belonging to her caste.

Earlier Late Jayalalithaa held the powerful general secretary post along with Chief Ministership. But now Jayalalithaa's loyal and trusted aid O Panneerselvam was elected/selected as new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.