Opinion: Sasikala's Big Challenges Include Caste And Her Family 'Mafia'

Hugo Gorringe, D Karthikeyan | Monday February 06, 2017

Bereft of their leader and inspiration, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu have turned to the next best thing: Amma's friend and confidante, VK Sasikala, who is the closest like-for-like replacement available. Even Sasikala's nickname of "Chinnamma" implies continuity, and suggests that Amma's politics live on in her successor. True to this perception, Sasikala has promis...

Opinion: Stalin Finally Gets That Big Promotion. Won't Be Easy

Hugo Gorringe, D Karthikeyan | Thursday January 05, 2017

Stalin's leadership bid has not been well-served by his father, who hesitated to place him in charge ahead of state election in 2016. Irrespective of the intention, this was read as a vote of no-confidence at the time. For all his experience and political nous, therefore, Stalin will have to persuade voters that he is a worthy successor. At present, he is seen to lack...

Opinion: In Backing Sasikala For Bigger Role, What Her Party's Overlooking

Hugo Gorringe, D Karthikeyan | Tuesday January 03, 2017

The true test for the AIADMK, thus, will come in the next two elections. Whether Panneerselvam remains Chief Minister or Sasikala replaces him, neitheris experienced inoverseeing a campaign and neither has been the star-attraction. If the party can harness a sympathy wave to win the next election, then the leader will be able to establish a reputation for themselves a...