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 The year 2001 must be called a year of political roller-coaster, at least as far as the political scenario of Tamil Nadu is concerned. This political roller-coaster had all the tight
turns, steep slopes, and turbulent twists of the original and dramatic developments, rumbling, mumbling, grumbling and tumbling all included in addition. Not a single leader of any political party was an exception to this. They all had their share in the ride - joyride or not was a different question. As far as the people are there for being taken for a ride, who cares! Here is a snapshot of 'em all.
AIADMK
As far as Madam 'Amma' is concerned it was a quick changing chain of events, pole-vault, deep dive, high and long jumps all in one. She could not contest in the Assembly elections held in May last year due to the judgement of the Special Court in TANSI case. All the four nominations filed by her in four different constituencies were rejected. In two constituencies the nominations were rejected on the ground that no person who is punished by a court with a 3-year imprisonment could contest any election and in the other two, they were rejected on the ground that nobody can contest from more than two constituencies.
But the Electronic Polling Machines had registered a completely different verdict from the people and ADMK had gained a comfortable majority. The MLAs of the party unanimously opted for Madam JJ as their CM and the then Governor Fathima Beevi administered the oath of office to Jayalalitha on May 14th.
That raised many eyebrows and a very big furore. Cases of public interest were filed in the Supreme Court challenging JJ assuming the office of the CM. The arguments of her counsel that people had voted in her favour and that she should be allowed to continue in Office failed to make their mark. The Bench headed by the present Chief Justice S. P. Barucha gave the verdict that her appointment was invalid, upholding the supremacy of the Constitution over anything else. Amma immediately vacated the Office.
In another dramatic turn, O. Panneerselvam became the CM of Tamil Nadu, with an open and clear statement from the party high command, 'The appointment is only temporary and Amma would soon return to take her seat in Fort St. George.' Mr. Panneerselvam continues to 'hold the fort' (in both the senses) - underline - 'temporarily.'
An appeal was filed in the Chennai High Court in respect of TANSI and Pleasant Stay Hotel cases. Mr. Justice Dhinakar acquitted all the defendants including Jayalalitha. The DMK has gone to the Supreme Court, contesting the verdict and Dr. Subramaniam Swamy has followed with his own, asking for interim stay restraining Madam from holding any office till the trial is over.
Soon favourable verdicts followed one after the other, exonerating her from the 'coal imports case'. She has been found not guilty in 9 cases so far.
Amma will be contesting the by-election to be held on February 21, from Andipatti. We will have to wait for the verdict of the people and also for the decision of the Supreme Court on the appeal filed by Dr.
Swamy.
Perumal
Text in English by Hari Krishnan
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