Here is Why Congress Leaders Are Split on Sasikala Vs Panneerselvam

New Delhi: It’s not just the AIADMK which is split down the middle over the VK Sasikala vs O Panneerselvam battle. The national leadership of the Congress, at best a marginal force in Tamil Nadu, too, is divided over whom to support in this game of thrones being played out in Chennai.

And that’s where the differences within the Congress begin to show up.

So what gives? Sources within the party say it is yet to formulate an official policy and hence the leaders pulling in different directions according to their personal preferences.

Despite the denials and clarifications that the Centre is showing no interest in the events being played out in Chennai, political parties, including the “official” faction of the AIADMK led by Sasikala, believe the events, including Pannerselvam’s surprise rebellion, was orchestrated from New Delhi.

Top government sources say it was suggested to the Governor that he need not rush to Chennai and instead wait for things to settle down. He was also asked to seek more legal opinion to weigh the pros and cons.

Political commentators believe top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, share a rapport with Panneerselvam. During the Jallikattu agitation, the PM did not hesitate to give him an appointment and sources say he insisted that he be left alone with Panneerselvam to discuss issues of the state. The only one who was present in the room was the state chief secretary.

BJP believes Panneerselvam enjoys credibility and it would be easier to have a working relation with him in comparison to Sasikala.

But for the state Congress, Sasikala is a better option. State party mavens believe her political inclination is not favourable to BJP’s positions on various issues, and besides, there is the closeness between Natarajan and Thirunavukkarasar.

Another reason is also the now-on now-off interstate dispute on sharing Cauvery waters between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the only big state ruled by Congress party now. With Karnataka elections not too far away and Congress keen to retain the state, the local Congress unit feels Sasikala could be less rigid than Panneerselvam.

But back in Delhi, sources say Chidambaram was consulted for some tips on the situation and he is believed to have spelt out the ground situation.

When Governor Vidyasagar Rao finally lands in Chennai on Thursday, it won’t be just Sasikala and Panneerselvam, but both the BJP and Congress that will be keenly watching who gets that prime seat in St George Fort.