TN Politics – City Tamizh’s Speak

February 17, 2017

Ever since AIADMK general secretary Sasikala was sentenced to four years in prison for the disproportionate assets case; Tamil Nadu’s political future has been uncertain.

While the curtain fell on the 61-year-old’s aspirations, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam’s premature resignation shifted the spotlight to Edappadi K. Palaniswami- the freshly appointed legislature party leader. With the two men vying for the coveted CM seat; notable city-based Tamilians share their views about their home-state.

Ramani Iyer, Founder of Every Drop Counts and Ex Forbes Marshall says, “I think it’s a great verdict (refers to Sasikala’s conviction). Those who hold political office should seriously question their decision prior to indulging in corruption. The clash between power, politics and corruption is so intertwined, that I think you get relatively clean politicians rather than pristine politicians.

“I don’t believe the AIADMK would be able to get back into power. At the moment, even if the fraction led by Palaniswami is large, it might not gain traction in the assembly as well as with people”.

On the other hand, Michael Joseph a sports journalist maintains that the situation is exceedingly unpredictable. “The judgement seems to be correct. Whatever is done is right because they have cheated people. Still, AIADMK is waiting to come back in power”.

Uma Pillay a city-based Tamilian opines, “People need to scale back the speculation to remember they elected AIADMK when Jayalalithaa headed it and not her minions. That too, it was upon her acquittal that she was voted in. So now she has been found guilty by the Supreme court, the premise is void. In all fairness there should be assembly re-elections.

Academician, Prof Dr. K. K. Sunderam maintained that the unrest wouldn’t personally affect Tamilians in Pune. However, it would have a profound effect on those in Tamil Nadu. “Especially Mannarwadi the small hamlet has been terrorized by reigning gangs and communities for ages.

“There was a building collapse in Balewadi and the perpetrators flew the coop via a sea route to Bangkok.” He alleges that Sasikala orchestrated their escape also drawing attention to three dangerous communities in Tamil Nadu- the Padiyachi, Gounder and Thevar while speaking of their notoriety. “Here’s to a brighter political future for the state”.