Possibility of a new politics in Tamil Nadu out of O Panneerselvam (OPS)

When the whole world is yawning for a change, Tamil Nadu is no exception. Most of the citizens of Tamil Nadu are sick and tired of corrupt politicians and their denigrating vote bank politics. Most of the politicians are playing the game of how to make some gains for the self than the interest of the state.

Climate for a new politics in Tamil Nadu is quite good. The new politics must revolve around development, welfare and definitely it must be free of corruption. It is not the corruption of politicians or political parties alone bother but the rampant corruption that exists so visibly in most Government departments in Tamil Nadu is sickening and nauseating people. It is like, as is the king so are the subjects.

Most political pundits in India once wondered who would succeed in AIADMK after Amma J Jayalalitha’s (JJ) death. When JJ was alive, she had indeed identified the successor of the party and also CM face of the party. But she did not announce it publicly but however made sure that the message was clear to everyone.

JJ has indeed declared OPS as the natural successor of AIADMK when she was alive. Whenever there was crisis for JJ and AIADMK, JJ entrusted the responsibility of running the Government and the ministry only to OPS. It was not the trust and honesty of OPS, JJ appreciated, but JJ also saw the unique leadership ability OPS to govern the state without loosing the temper, who can articulate and efficiently implement all schemes and know how to calibrate the bureaucracy.

Perhaps she had not told the succession plan of OPS so explicitly in words but through her actions she has done it. JJ is known to be an action centric persona than a person who just pour out promises and forget it. In that sense, the actions of JJ clearly shows that OPS is the natural successor of her.

Although people of Tamil Nadu at large respect OPS as the natural successor of JJ and also he fits the bill perfectly, but still many doubted during last assembly election how OPS could gather vote for the party as the partly was lead by JJ whose charisma, articulation, crystal clear communication, command are unparallel to any other political leader in the country. It was the mistake most of us did by comparing a brilliant candle with Sun. The brilliant brightness of the candle can be seen and appreciated only when sun sets permanently and darkness doom around us.

Today people of Tamil Nadu are talking about OPS and hoping that OPS would lead the state and continue the good governance legacy of JJ. The greatest advantage of OPS is that he does not carry any baggage. Unfortunately the baggage of JJ has only caused her downfall and ignominy which whether she was aware off or not, God alone knows. But OPS smartly decided not to carry the old baggage thus become a leader of his own making exactly like JJ.

Large section of people of Tamil Nadu is with OPS at this point in time. OPS must engage with people in Tamil Nadu regularly and must continue to give hope to them that he is going to stay in Tamil Nadu politics to save AIADMK and continue the governance legacy of JJ. Today Tamil Nadu is desperately looking for a new AIADMK which is totally free from family baggage.

All those prodigal children are likely to come back to OPS when their power and position needs to be re-wetted by people during next election. They will soon realize that the brand image they attempts to create and carry may permanently cease their political career.

People have heard a lot about the baggage of JJ. But after her demise, people could witness what they heard about the baggage is at least in part, true.

Considering the future of one of the best states in India- Tamil Nadu, people must support OPS so that we can attempt to make a new Tamil Nadu which is free of corruption, family baggage and remote control raj.

Dr S Ranganathan