This refers to the editorial, “TN needs governance” (February 17). Tamil Nadu has emerged from weeks of uncertainty and stepped into a season of the unknown, as Edappadi K Palaniswami, the handpicked proxy of VK Sasikala, was sworn in as the Chief Minister. Although a perception exists that O Panneerselvam, who had revolted against Sasikala, enjoyed popular support, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao had little option but to invite Palaniswami after he submitted a list that suggested a majority of MlAs were with the latter.
If Palaniswami wins the trust vote as expected, Panneerselvam's best bet will be to wait and see whether pulls and pressures from within the Government will render it unstable. Meanwhile, no one can foresee whether the new Chief Minister will allow himself to be dictated to by the Sasikala-aligned mafia. But it must be devoutly hoped by one and all that trappings and pomp of the office would make the worm turn, sooner than later.