The ongoing tussle between top leaders OPS and EPS has plenty of similarities with the episode in 1989 when Jayalalithaa outsmarted MGR’s widow to take control of the party
In February 1989, after a battle for control of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) founded by MG Ramachandran (MGR), the J (J Jayalalithaa) and Ja (Janaki Ramachandran) factions merged and the party flag carried former Tamil Nadu chief minister CN Annadurai’s picture. But the developments that led to the historic high redefined AIADMK’s politics.
Jayalalithaa, a popular actress then, had neither the support of the ministers and legislators nor the functionaries. Whereas Janaki enjoyed the ‘stature’ of being the wife of the most idolised matinee star-turned politician-turned chief minister and party sentiments seemed overwhelmingly in her favour.
Jayalalithaa, a popular actress then, had neither the support of the ministers and legislators nor the functionaries. Whereas Janaki enjoyed the ‘stature’ of being the wife of the most idolised matinee star-turned politician-turned chief minister and party sentiments seemed overwhelmingly in her favour.