Sasikala vs OPS: 54 per cent for President's Rule, fresh elections in Tamil Nadu; all eyes on Centre

Altogether 92 per cent of the respondents termed the ongoing political turmoil in the Tamil Nadu as governance crisis.

 As Tamil Nadu sinks deeper into a political crisis with a fight between a caretaker government and the chief of ruling party, an online survey shows what many believe the Centre is seriously pondering upon.

According to an online survey, conducted by a social engagement platform for registering citizens' grievances LocalCircles, 54 per cent of people in Tamil Nadu favour imposition of President's Rule and calling fresh elections to elect a new government in the state.

The results of the survey assumes significance in the view of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam digging his heels in to stave off attempts by AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala to wrest power from him.

Interestingly, both leaders claim their authority, one after tendering resignation and other without being elected as a legislator, from late CM Jayalalithaa.

Another 34 per cent people, an open voting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly to decide the chief minister of the state while another 10 per cent favour the AIADMK to decide its leader internally.

GOVERNOR RAO PLAYS THE WAIT GAME

Altogether 92 per cent of the respondents termed the ongoing political turmoil in the Tamil Nadu as governance crisis.

Also read: As Sasikala-Panneerselvam face-off intensifies, DMK calls for fresh election in TN

Also read: Holding AIADMK MLAs hostage is against democracy, Governor must look into it: DMK's MK Stalin

About 86 per cent want a transparent democratic process to be followed for a solution to the fight between OPS and Sasikala.

The demand for Centre's rule was first voiced by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who had asked the Modi government to intervene in Tamil Nadu, which many suspect that it is already doing by delaying recognising VK Sasikala's stake.DMK, too, has called for fresh elections. 

Also read: Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden house to be made a memorial? OPS now plans to make Sasikala homeless

The Election Commission's notice to AIADMK over Sasikala being made the party Chief has further added fuel to the political fire in Tamil Nadu.

Also read: Sasikala vs Panneerselvam: 4 options before Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao

Governor C Vidyasagar Rao is clearly playing a wait-and-watch game while the Sasikala and Panneerselvam camps flex their muscles. Rao's absence from Chennai, on account of him holding the charge of Maharashtra, has only added to the confusion and giving ample space for speculations and political mudslinging. Under these circumstances, Centre's role becomes most crucial.