This refers to the article, “For Palaniswami, it will be a crown of thorns” (February 21) by Sandhya Jain. There are too many hurdles for the Edappadi Palaniswami regime. The new Chief Minister has little credentials for the post but has had greatness thrust on him. The Sasikala clan may have taken over the party and the Government lock, stock and barrel. But the party and the Government bear little or no resemblance to the entities that J Jayalalithaa handled with confidence. She handled everything and everyone with aplomb.
On the other hand, VK Sasikala derives her clout from her extended family, beginning with her shrewd and manipulative husband, unafraid of exerting his influence to bulldoze his way. With so many of the family in key positions and others not so favoured only waiting for suitable opportunities, the first thing that Palaniswami will find is that he is being pulled in different directions. He cannot take any decision on his own, but he dare not complain or resist.