Jaya conviction creates leadership problems

If the Jayalalitha-loyalists in the AIADMK swear by her leadership and stick to the Amma as the party’s chief ministerial choice, any adverse image caused by the court verdict could spill over to the party as well. It is not a question of eligibility but one of credibility. Even if the Election Commission rules permit a person, who has served out a jail term ofless than two years, to contest the elections, the AIADMK will have to grapple with the pros and cons of a leadership change.

The party will have to decide whether it would like to sink or sail with Jayalalitha or look for an alternative, with the Amma running the party through backseat-driving. Theories abound in political circles on the options before Jayalalitha. A choice before her is to remain as party general secretary and thus control the party’s second line and the ministers in case the AIADMK is voted back to power. Another option is to seek a stay order on the conviction in a higher court and continue the legal battle even while she aims for the chief ministership.