A tacit retreat? By stepping aside, Sasikala has given AIADMK an advantage

With her announcement of withdrawing from politics, V K Sasikala became the second key figure to bow out of the hurly-burly ahead of the elections in Tamil Nadu on April 6. Actor Rajinikanth had earlier decided to pull out of the race, citing health reasons.

In Sasikala’s case, her political health, not physical wellbeing, was the reason for this surprise announcement. Those directly affected by her decision are still struggling to understand what triggered the move and its implications.

First, it is not clear whether Sasikala is quitting politics for good or only temporarily. Obviously, it’ll have implications for the