CHENNAI: Bringing an end to the two-decades-long legal drama, and adding yet another twist to the ongoing tussle for power in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning upheld the conviction of AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case in which she was co-accused along with the late J Jayalalithaa.
The immediate import of this verdict is that it disqualifies Sasikala from fighting elections under the Representation of the People Act for six years. Therefore she cannot become chief minister, not only now, but not until six years after her release, which is four years from now. That is, Sasikala is effectively out of electoral politics of 10 eyars.
Delivering the judgment on an appeal filed by the Karnataka government against the acquittal of Jayalalithaa, Sasikala, her sister-in-law J Ilavarasi and nephew VN Sudhakaran, the Supreme Court bench upheld the trial court’s verdict that had awarded four years imprisonment and Rs 10 crore fine for the last three.
For Jayalalithaa, now deceased accused number 1, the fine was Rs 100 crore. The verdict, delivered separately by the two judges on the bench, Justices P C Ghose and Amitava Roy, came along with
some strong remarks about rising corruption in India. Sasikala and her relatives will have to surrender before the court in the next four weeks.
This snuffs Sasikala’s unrelenting campaign to become chief minister of Tamil Nadu replacing O Panneerselvam, who has since rebelled against her. Now she has to find an alternative, which, however, is easier said than done.
But for his rebellion, Panneerselvam would have been an easy alternative due to his ‘Jaya’s choice’ image, and the softer nature of his politics. The other proxies who might be on Sasikala at this turn of events do not have similar acceptability.
And then there is the caste equation of Thevars, Gounders and the rest in the AIADMK. Any alternative face will likely lead to more MLAs switching over to Panneerselvam camp. After holding on steadfastly for a week since his revolt, Panneerselvam has received a massive shot in the arm with this verdict. There are only 9 MLAs with him so far, but the numbers are expected to swell after the conviction of Sasikala by the Supreme Court.
Sasikala is now holed up with her MLAs at a resort called Golden Bay outside Chennai. Amid allegations that many of the AIADMK MLAs are being confired against their wish, a large posse of policemen, headed by senior officials, was deployed at the resort late Monday night.
This neutralised the muscle power that the AIADMK party leadership had massed outside the premises. After forming a ring outside the Golden Bay Resort, the police personnel have just begun moving into the premises. It is likely that the MLAs who were allegedly detained there will now come out.
As per the advice was given by Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi, Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao could call for a floor-test in the coming few days.