OPS vs Sasikala: Here are the options before the Governor

Here we bring into focus the various options available for TN Governor Vidyasagar Rao to deal with the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Chennai, Feb 9: All eyes will be on Raj Bhavan, Chennai, on Thursday. Governor Vidyasagar Rao will visit Tamil Nadu to put an end to the ongoing political crisis in the state. The big question is-who will become the Chief Minister of the southern state? Will it be Sasikala Natarajan or O Paneerselvam?

The Governor has to take a call on the issue. He has already accepted Panneerselvam's resignation and instructed him to remain as the care-taker CM for the time being. Finally, the camp with required number of MLAs will win the political battle.

Sasikala has claimed that she has the support of almost all the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislators. Let us now examine the options before the Governor...

Show of strength
The Governor, who has already accepted OPS' resignation, can invite Sasikala to form the new government. Sasikala-the leader of the AIADMK legislature party--has the backing of 133 legislators. She might be asked to take a floor test in the assembly.

Wait and watch
The Supreme Court is all set to deliver its verdict in the disproportionate assets case against Sasikala. The Governor is well-aware about the case. If Sasikala-- accused number two in the case--is convicted then she has to leave politics, at least for six years. However, if she takes over as the CM and then is convicted, that will once again lead to another political crisis in the AIADMK. If the Governor is thinking in this line, then he may ask OPS to continue as the care-taker CM until the SC verdict is out.

Give OPS a chance
Considering that OPS is claiming the support of at least 60 MLAs, the Governor may ask him to prove his strength on the floor of the assembly. For this, however, OPS will require the support of the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Will the DMK support OPS from outside considering the elections are four years away? The chances look bleak.

President's rule
If OPS gets the support of 60 MLAs, then Sasikala will not be able to form the government. Moreover, Sasikala cannot rely on the support of the DMK. This will lead to another crisis with no party with a clear majority in the state. In such a scenario, the Governor can recommend President's rule.

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