January 4, 1999

JAYALALITHA
Tantrum Amma

Her favourite line: Do it or I will fell the Government.

Jayalalitha Jayaram is possibly the only villain who has the self-image of a martyr. The rest of the country may believe what it wants to, but the ubiquitous Amma of Tamil Nadu is firm in the belief that she is a poor, hapless woman being persecuted by a demon in dark glasses. To prevent that from happening she will just about do anything -- throw tantrums, create political instability, demand the impossible, sup with Subramanian Swamy and even be devastatingly charming. Actually, she has done all this and more through 1998. The arithmetic of the Lok Sabha has given her a bargaining advantage at the Centre she neither ever had nor dreamt of having. If she pulls out or changes sides, Atal Bihari Vajpayee may just as well call the packers into Race Course Road. No wonder she doesn't pull her punches, is consistent that she will exercise her option at the right time and takes offence if the bjp leadership fails to curtsy to her. She wanted President's rule in Tamil Nadu and since Vajpayee can't manage that, she wants the next best: a pick of the portfolios, a veto over appointments and a relentless fight in the courts to stop her going to jail. So far the Centre has obliged on all counts. It hasn't enhanced the Vajpayee Government's popularity but it hasn't diminished Jayalalitha's. The opinion polls point to Vajpayee's fading glamour but indicate she will sweep Tamil Nadu. Now, that's real successful villainy.

© Living Media India Ltd