The Tamil Nadu politics is currently
witnessing a political thriller which is becoming more intriguing by the hour.
The strong bi-party dynamics of this southern state was shaken last week, with
an open revolt in the AIADMK party by the incumbent Chief Minister O
Paneerselvam. For the first time in the history of the party, the grass root cadre
of the party was confused about whom to show their allegiance to - the woman,
who was the closest friend of late Jayalalithaa during her last few years, or
Paneerselvam, the trusted lieutenant who not only stepped in her shoes every
time there was a crisis, but also managed the show successfully till she
resumed.
Let us step back a little to
fully understand the incredible audacity demonstrated by Paneerselvam. In the
aftermath of Jayalalithaa’s demise, there was an instant vacuum in the party,
as she had never openly anointed her successor. Shashikala was clever to
understand that before the emotional intensity among the masses diminishes, she
needs to stake her claim. The rank and file blindly agreed to her supremacy,
partially because of her proximity to their departed leader and also because of
the culture prevalent within the party since several decades, to unconditionally
follow a leader.
Seeing the general mood of acceptance
for her overtures within the party, she began to systematically increase her
control over the party one step at a time, till she reached the final step, becoming
the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. And she was all set to become one.
That was the time, when
Paneerselvam realized that something was wrong. Why was he and the entire party
silently accepting her leadership, when she had not demonstrated any credentials
to lead the party? What qualifications did she have other than being the best friend
of their ex-leader, to be in the position of power? More importantly, why was
everyone in the party silent on this issue? Was it not like the proverbial ‘ostrich
mentality’ to look aside, when you desperately need answers to these glaring and
important questions?
Apparently, Paneerselvam got the most
probable answer. It was the fear of failure. While most of the party men were
uncomfortable to some extent about the fast-paced events leading to her accession
within the party, they were worried that if they voice their concern, they
might be left out alone. They might face the wrath of the party workers. Their political
future could be at stake.
Paneerselvam decided to play the
biggest gamble of his life. He chose the revolt and question the authority of
Shashikala. For the first few hours after the revolt, the party looked at him,
as though he was most dreaded criminal in this world at the moment. However,
the things began to change slowly. The public sentiment started pouring in on
the social media, which swelled with each passing hour.
That prompted all the MLAs and
the MPs to start thinking. They had a difficult choice to make. If they
continued to stay with Shashikala, they invited the public anger which could
seriously harm their prospects in the next elections. If they switched sides to
Paneerselvam, and he is eventually outmaneuvered by Shashikala in the current
game, their future would be doomed now itself.
The suspense is still ON. The next
few days will decide who will ultimately win this game.
Whatever may be the outcome, one
thing is sure. Paneerselvam is hero of the day. He has shown the courage to
swim against the tide. He has dared the challenges and threats to his political
future. He has acted on his conscience.
Many times in our life, we too face
such situations, when we are compelled to make a difficult or unpopular decision.
The decisions which we make in those moments can have far reaching impact on
our short term as well as long term future. At such times, we should think of
Paneerselvam.
Listen to your conscience, think
rationally, and take a decision, which you believe in.
Remember, the risks and rewards
always go together. Higher the risks, higher the rewards.
Awaken the Paneerselvam within you…!
