While names of many diehard loyalists have been floated, state finance minister O Panneerselvam has emerged the strongest probable.
Having served as chief minister for six months from September 2001 when Jayalalithaa had to step down because of the Tansi case, Panneerselvam may clinch it for his record of being tried and tested. He has remained more loyal than expected, and never made any effort to be remembered as an ex-CM.
It was as an acknowledgement of this loyalty that Jayalalithaa rewarded him with the key portfolios of finance and public works when the party came to power in 2011. Party insiders say that in the recent past Panneerselvam has been the liaison person between Jayalalithaa and other ministers and senior partymen. That he enjoys the confidence of Sasikalaa is an added advantage.
An official release said the officers apprised the governor about measures taken to prevent untoward incidents. The governor told the officers that law and order needs to be maintained.
The meeting centered on fixing the future course of action. Identifying a replacement would be the next crucial step for Jayalalithaa.
During his short stint as chief minister between September 2001 and March 2002, O Panneerselvam not only refused to sit on the CM's chair but was reluctant to sign files. He seemed happy to be a nightwatchman, comfortable in his status as a stopgap arrangement. In that tenure he was happy to be seen as servile, even nonfunctioning.
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