Facts about Sasikala, the chinaamma of Tamil Nadu

The term Chinamma has created an appealing nature with the yearn to associate in friendship.

Sashikala Natarajan fondly addressed as Chinaamma by the AIADMK cadres was the closest aide and counsel of Amma Jairam Jayalalithaa, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK supreme.

Born in August 18, 1954, she hailed from a rather mediocre and unimposing background, married to a video producer Natarajan.

She enjoyed a tumultuous and rewarding relationship with her mentor and patron Jayalalithaa for the past three decades after she was introduced to the late leader by an IAS officer V.S. Chandralekha in 1980.

Following the development of their close friendship, Chinaamma moved to the Poes Garden bungalow of Amma along with her husband and kin.

It has been alleged by her critics that during the tenures of Amma as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Chinaamma exerted absolute authority over the state government and the organization.

After Amma was ousted from power in 1996, she was arrested along with her on December 7, and was sent to judicial custody for her alleged involvement with the Color TV swindle.

Chinaamma was even expelled from the AIADMK on December 19, 2011 but eventually she was reconciled with Amma and after that their relationship remained cordial.

She played a pivotal role in the 2016 state assembly elections and handpicked most candidates.

After Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital in September last year Chinaamma stayed by her side until her death on December 5.

She was the focus of media attention during the last rites of the deceased leader and was appointed as the general secretary of AIADMK on December 29.

A large section of the party, led by deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha M. Thambidurai has appealed Chinaamma to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, saying leadership in the organization and government should rest with the same person.