Tamil Nadu Has A New Substitute Chief Minister

On Tuesday, C Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, handed Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s profile to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam. The decision has been allegedly taken on Chief Minister’s instruction due to her health issues. She has been admitted to Apollo hospital in Tamil Nadu since September 22 after she complained of dehydration and fever. Her recovery is happening gradually as she is still on respiratory support as per the Apollo hospital.

The handing over of Chief Minister’s portfolio has been done using Clause (3) of the Article 166 of the Constitution of India.

O Panneerselvam is appointed to handle the portfolio of IFS, IAS, IPS, general administration, police, home, district administration as well as heading the cabinet meetings. There were speculations regarding Panneerselvam filling in for the Chief Minister, as he has already done it twice in the past. First was in the year 2001 when Jayalalithaa was blocked by the Supreme Court for being in the office and the second was in 2014 when she had to leave her responsibilities for a small time due to her trial on having excessive assets.

A lot of rumours are circulating in Tamil Nadu in regards to Chief Minister’s health. While AIADMK is reporting that she is recovering from her illness, there are many who are saying that she is critically ill. A social media campaign has also been launched by the party to clear the rumours of her illness. Till now 43 cases have been filed against the people who are misreporting about Jayalalithaa’s health.

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12 October 2016
Jyotsna Amla