Friends Again

During the recent TN elections, there was a remark that Amma was not keen on sharing the dias with her coalition partners and that indicated that there was some friction between the alliance partners. Amma has realized this a bit too late and made up for it last week when she 'joined hands' with Vaiko and Thiruma during the agitation for the fuel price hike:

"I want to hold your hands" is Jayalalitha's post-election credo. The AIADMK leader J. Jayalalitha has been literally trying to hold on to her allies after she lost the assembly polls. But this new bonhomie took MDMK leader Vaiko and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan by surprise at an anti-fuel price hike demonstration. They were not sure of what was happening as Amma indicated that they stand close to her for what seemed like a photo-op. But Jayalalitha then grabbed their hands and held them aloft even as Vaiko and Thirumavalavan felt a little shy. Usually, no one is allowed to even be in physical proximity to Amma. At best, for the photographers' benefit, only bouquets and smiles are offered. Being in 'touch' with the AIADMK leader is out of the question. Amma seems to have slowly learned to value her allies.