Reporter’s diary: Many ruling party functionaries keenly await Rajini’s mass entry

Particularly in Chennai, there are a new set of office-bearers who gained political significance after the death of AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa. “There are crucial zonal secretaries’ posts kept vacant in Kolathur assembly constituency for reasons best known to the district secretary. Also, those who aspired for local body posts but were denied seats will lookout for other political options,” said a former city Corporation councillor. 

Not only MLAs, but former mayors from AIADMK are also waiting to line up seeking political asylum, sources said, adding that there are also a few in the party trade union waiting for the AIADMK government’s term to end.

“By the end of this year, the AIADMK will see desertions. There already is a bunch holding talks with former party functionaries who shifted their loyalty to DMK. If Rajinikanth floats a party, more functionaries will migrate from Chennai and Madurai. A few former ministers, too, may follow the superstar and his spiritual politics,” said a sitting MLA, noting that the splinter AMMK will also weaken if Rajinikanth floats a party.