Jayalalithaa no more: Tracing the dramatic rise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Emotions are running high in Tamil Nadu, as Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, battles grave illness in Chennai’s Apollo Hospital. Being a state that is known for cult-politics and demigod like adoration of its political leaders, the fervour around Jayalalithaa’s health only underlines the popularity and affection the actor-turned politician enjoys amid her people. It was her charisma as an actor, and later as a politician that enabled her to step into the shoes of her political mentor MG Ramachandran, and command single-handed control of one of Tamil Nadu’s main political parties — the AIADMK. Here is a brief timeline of the important events that shaped the political career of a leader, who went on to become the most powerful woman in the state politics. [caption id=“attachment_3140650” align=“alignnone” width=“825”]  Tamil Nadu remains on edge as people pray for speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa. The doctors have said that her situation remains grave, and the next 90 hours are critical. Reuters[/caption] 1948: Born on 24 February in Melukote town in Mysuru district, Karnataka. 1961: Starts film career as child actress. Her only English movie, Epistle, was the first she started shooting for. 1965: Debuts as lead actress in Tamil with Vennira Aadai. In the same year, acts opposite future political mentor MG Ramachandran. 1980: Acts in her last Tamil movie, Nadhiyai Thedi Vandha Kadal, as female lead. 1982: Becomes member of MGR’s AIADMK party. Addresses first public gathering in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. 1983: Appointed AIADMK’s propoganda secretary and campaigns in Thiruchendur by-election. 1984: Rift with MGR widens; stripped from several party posts. 1987: MGR death divides AIADMK — one faction supports MGR’s wife Janaki Ramachandran and the other Jayalalithaa. 1988: Janaki becomes Tamil Nadu chief minister, but rule ends in 21 days; the state comes under President’s Rule. 1989: The DMK sweeps state polls; Janaki offers to quit AIADMK, clearing path for Jaya’s accession. In the same year, DMK and AIADMK clash in Tamil Nadu Assembly hall; Jayalalithaa swears to step inside Assembly again only as chief minister. 1991: AIADMK-Congress thrashes DMK in polls; Jayalalithaa becomes chief minister for the first time. 1996: AIADMK routed in elections; Jayalalithaa gets arrested in a corruption case; 48 cases slapped on her and aide Sasikala. 2001: Makes second return as chief minister; party appoints her as chief minister but SC unseats her; O Paneerselvam named chief minister. 2003: Allowed to contest elections; wins from Andipatti, becomes chief minister again. 2006 Defeated by DMK alliance in polls; serves as Leader of Opposition till 2011. 2011 Returns as chief minister for the third time; rift with Sasikala widens. 2014 Convicted by court in disproportionate assets case; sentenced to four years in prison with Rs 100 crore fine. 2016 Jayalalithaa elected for a consecutive second term.