That Incident Turned TN Politics

on Dec 6, 2016

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s demise leaves not just Tamils, but also others in the country in tears. The actress turned politician who made her mark in Tamil politics had faced tough times during early stages of her political career. In fact, one incident had turned Tamil Nadu state politics and also Jayalalithaa’s life completely.

In 1989, Jayalalithaa, the Leader of the Opposition, was abused in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. A mysterious person submitted Jayalalithaa's letter of resignation to the Speaker M Tamilkudimagan who accepted it against the rules. Further, the letter was leaked to the press.

A week later, when Chief Minister Karunanidhi was about to present the budget the Opposition protested the way in which Jayalalithaa had been treated. The ruckus that followed the indictments in the Assembly went out of control.

Though Jayalalithaa was making her way out of the House surrounded by members of the Opposition who'd formed a human shield around her, DMK Minister Durai Murugan rushed towards her to hit her. Though it was unknown whether Durai purposely pulled her saree or it was accidental, Jayalalithaa's saree was torn.

Humiliated Jayalalithaa left the Assembly, vowing that she would come back as the Chief Minister. The incident acquired the respect of myth in the public mind. And the above dramatic photograph was published in the first page of The Indian Express, winning Jayalalithaa sympathy from the people of Tamil Nadu, especially the women voters who identified with her struggle in a male dominant, patriarchal society. The incident redefined Jayalalithaa: to herself and the public.