Chennai: The moment the armed forces handed over to Sasikala Natarajan the tricolour draped on the body of the former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, which by convention is to be handed over to the nearest kin, the IPS officers present in the funeral had to conclude that they will have to take orders from the close aide and friend of the deceased Tamil Nadu CM.
They are doing just that. The only uncertainty that now prevails is whether Sasikala would retain the handpicked officials serving in key posts across the State. Jaya’s administration always had great regard for the khaki-clad force. It was very particular about which of the personnel it appointed in key posts and selected only those it believed could deliver.
The Tamil Nadu governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao placed his appreciation on record in his recent letter to the DGP T.K. Rajendran. “The former CM had special love for the police department. True to her expectations, the TN police have given a fitting farewell by showcasing utmost professionalism,” an excerpt from his letter read.
The former CM Jaya had held the Home portfolio in all her terms. She relied on the ‘khakis’ to rein in party functionaries as and when required. The reports about the activities of the party members also helped her maintain a military-like discipline in the party.
A stock dialogue of the police to keep the local politicos away from interfering in the day-to-day affairs is: Garden-ku report potruven (Will send a report to (Poes) Garden).
In fact, it is the work of the State Intelligence that helped her break the jinx of returning as the CM for the second consecutive term like her mentor MGR.
On the other hand, Sasikala had her own set of confidants among the force. The officials, who were kept off key posts but who are enjoying good rapport with Sasikala, have begun eyeing the key posts following Jaya’s demise. This has rattled the officials who were once relied upon by the former CM.
The postings will not stop with the top posts and transfers may be effected right down to the rank of Inspectors. The worst affected lot will be the apolitical officials who have been carrying out their duties for the common good irrespective of the party elected to power. Informed sources suggest a detailed list of officials had been readied with specific assignments and the postings are likely to be out in the coming week.
