Mother's Day- Jayalalithaa Is Invincible In Spite Of A Diminished Aura

Jayalalithaa remains unbeatable in the face of a regrouping of smaller parties and the blunted challenge of DMK .

- V. Shobha

Tens of thousands brave the afternoon sun, lock stepped and sweat-drenched under their green party-issue caps, roaring and waving at TV cameras as though they were plucked from their mundane lives for just this moment. Their hours-long wait is nearly over, with moments to go before Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa lands in Alichikudi near the town of Virudhachalam on a hastily-conjured helipad. The commentator scurries off with a final exultation for Amma, suspending his real-time account of her journey from Poes Garden to the venue of her second public meeting ahead of the Assembly elections—in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district. Instead, a jaunty welcome song composed for the occasion pulsates from the speakers. An old woman sweeps the stage one last time, lingering a tad longer in the cool blast from the air conditioners. A party functionary wipes down with his handkerchief the chair and table from where Amma will read out a prepared speech about her government’s munificence. 

The 13 candidates from Cuddalore, Ariyalur and Perambalur districts that the AIADMK chief will shortly introduce spring to attention as she strides past with a nod and takes the stage. All is perfect. A little push from the universe and Amma could forever rule over Tamil Nadu. For a magical moment, one is inclined to forget that this is mere spectacle, orchestrated like a bad play without wit or humour. Where the protagonist is a benign mother, but her voice does not touch an emotional octave.