V K Sasikala

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This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content.

A profile

The Times of India

In December 2016, the ruling AIADMK party passed a resolution to work under the leadership of VK Sasikala, a close aide of former Chief Minister and party leader Jayalalithaa.

Hailing from a humble background from Mannargudi in south Tamil Nadu, 'Chinnamma' as Sasikala was known in her circles gradually gained acceptance in the Veda Nilayam residence, and even wielded influence in AIADMK at one point of time

Sasikala used to run a video store and record weddings attended by Jayalalithaa. VK Sasikala was introduced to Jayalalithaa by IAS officer-turned-politician VS Chandralekha, whose Public Relation Officer R Natarajan was Sasikala’s husband. Jayalalithaa and Sasikala Natarajan’s friendship grew and she became her closest confidante, even being in-charge of her house.

Jayalalithaa was so fond of Sasikala that, much to the chagrin of the CM’s family, she spent crores of rupees on the wedding of her foster son Sudhakaran, who is actually Sasikala’s nephew. He married Sathyalakshmi, the granddaughter of veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan. Not only that, Jayalalithaa chose to dress exactly like Sasikala at Sudhakaran’s wedding!

In 2011, Jayalalithaa and Sasikala Natarajan’s friendship saw a rift, much like Jayalalithaa and MGR’s earlier. Due to a misunderstanding, Jayalalithaa expelled Sasikala and her husband, and 11 other family members from the AIADMK. Sasikala left her family and returned to Amma, whom she called ‘Akka’ (elder sister). Sasikala used to accompany Jayalalithaa at various functions including the latter's election campaigns in her special vehicle, earning the sobriquet of 'Jayalalithaa's shadow' from detractors. Sasikala performed the final rituals in the Vaishnavite tradition to which Jayalalithaa belonged. Jayalalithaa’s nephew Deepak Jayakumar also accompanied Sasikala during the rites.

Political career

February 2017: In a race to be the CM of Tamil Nadu

Julie Mariappan, After resignation of Panneerselvam, Sasikala elected as legislative party leader of AIADMK, Feb 5, 2017: The Times of India

HIGHLIGHTS

AIADMK MLAs elected Sasikala as their legislature party leader

Panneerselvam proposed her name at the meeting of AIADMK legislators meeting.

AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was elected as legislature party leader by MLAs during a party meeting on 5th February, 2017, paving way for her to become Tamil Nadu chief minister. "Chinnamma all set to become the Next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," AIADMK said in a tweet.

Panneerselvam proposed her name at the meeting of AIADMK legislators, party leaders said. "I resigned and we elected Sasikala unanimously as leader of the party in assembly. All MLAs are in support," said Panneerselvam.