Over the past two weeks, the current AIADMK leadership which was once servile at the feet of VK Sasikala before her incarceration four years ago showed the first open signs that it was preparing to fight off a legacy claim.
Just a few days after unveiling the phoenix-themed memorial for J Jayalalithaa along the breezy shores of the Marina in Chennai, Edappadi K Palaniswami chose to seal it off. Right now, entry is barricaded with a sign saying it’s closed for public visits. Apparently, the government is enabling ongoing works at the monument.
Even to the half-initiated, this was clearly to stop VK Sasikala from making a dramatic appearance. Of the few remembered events in post-Jayalalithaa political history, the vow Sasikala made at the grave of her companion stands out even now. In that context, Palaniswami’s move to ward off a repeat clearly indicates the scuffle for legacy is far from over.