Who will step into Jayalalithaa's shoes: A friend or family?

While Sasikala has not officially announced her decision on whether she would lead the party or not,Deepa has stated that she will fight for her position in the party as well as Jaya's property

The fight for Jayalalithaa's legacy is getting bitter in Tamil Nadu. On one hand the AIADMK is pushing Sasikala to lead the party and on the other, Jayalalithaa's niece, Deepa Jayakumar is hell bent upon fighting for her late aunt's legacy.

Sasikala's association with Jayalalithaa has been a long standing one. The AIADMK cadres addressing her as 'Chinnamma' clearly indicates their intent is to make her the next leader after 'Amma'. The cadres believe that she has been exposed the most to Jayalalithaa's administrative qualities. Whereas, Deepa's striking resemblance to her aunt Jayalalithaa hasn't gone unnoticed. A journalist, Deepa hasn't shied away from claiming that she will lead the party if that is asked of her. While the party wants Sasikala to lead them in the path of Amma, there have been many cadres who have asked Deepa to take Jayalalithaa's place.

Sasikala has been expelled from the party in the past for alleged conspiracy and anti party activities. This has raised several questions among a select few in the party. Others are raising questions
about Deepa's claim to legacy considering the rifts her family has had with Jayalalithaa.

While Sasikala has not officially announced her decision on whether she would lead the party or not,Deepa has stated that she will fight for her position in the party as well as Jayalalithaa's property. In multiple interviews she has given to media outlets, Deepa has made her intent to take forward Jayalalithaa's legacy. Questioned about her lack of proximity to Jayalalithaa, she has alleged that despite multiple attempts to meet Jayalalithaa in the recent past, she was never allowed to do so. She even claimed that the distance was a manufactured one. Deepa has minced no words in registering her opposition to Sasikala taking over the reigns of the party.

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