Sasikala takes front seat, invokes Jaya's name & style

Former main curate J Jayalithaa often campaigned from her run vehicle, with her adjacent adjutant V K Sasikala seated successful the back, watching arsenic constituents and media gathered astir her van.

Sasikala has present moved to the front.Evoking memories of Jayalalithaa's roadshows, Sasikala delivers abbreviated speeches from her van astatine cardinal constituencies successful southbound Tamil Nadu. Only, she contests the 'two leaves' symbol. "I privation radical to determine whether they privation a regularisation of betrayers and evil forces oregon 1 by selfless leaders,'' she says astatine Thiruparankundram successful Madurai, earlier moving to Arapalayam.On Arappalayam transverse road, her party's campaigner stands with folded hands connected a level astir 300ft away, reminiscent of the mode Jayalalithaa's candidates were presented during her campaigns.In her five-minute speeches, she takes indirect jabs astatine AIADMK wide caput Edappadi K Palaniswami. Sasikala, who floated her enactment All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam conscionable earlier the predetermination announcement, has fielded candidates successful 75 constituencies. Most of them are from confederate districts, eyeing Thevar votes.She besides recalls her relation with Jayalalithaa. "As soon arsenic I reached here, my caput goes backmost to the days erstwhile I visited the spot with Amma," Sasikala says, turning affectional astatine Theni's Andipatti.

A fewer radical from the assemblage scope out, asking her not to worry. "We are determination for you,'' shouts one.On the banners around, Sasikala is placed alongside MGR and Jayalalithaa, with posters calling her 'Thyaga Thalaivi' alternatively of 'Chinnamma'. Political observers enactment that portion the presumption echoes Jayalalithaa, Sasikala's transportation differs."Sasikala's code is dilatory and paced but lacks the modulation of Jayalalithaa, who often turned assertive portion targeting M Karunanidhi,'' says governmental commentator Durai Karuna.He said Sasikala tried to replicate Jayalalithaa's persona by adopting the precocious leader's hairstyle and trademark greenish saree but has toned it down aft criticism.