Tamil Nadu harks back to MGR model of governance

CHENNAI: For those who wonder how the Tamil Nadu government is functioning in the absence of the hospitalised chief minister, the answer is it is AI.

Over two weeks after CM J Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals, the state administration is now reverting to a model in which the government had functioned during the late former CM MG Ramachandran’s days, said a senior AIADMK representative.

“Just as the government functioned when MGR was hospitalised in 1984, all important files are moving fast. These files are being marked “After Issue/Chief Minister” as they are sent to the Governor for his signature. As soon as the Governor signs these files, the chief secretary ensures the release of the orders,” said the party leader.

“Decisions are made collectively by cabinet members and then they are marked to the CM with the markings AI/CM. While action on the orders is carried out immediately, the CM can see and review these actions at her convenience,” he added.

Ministers represent their portfolios and decisions are made before the files are sent to governor following which they are issued as government orders.

However, when asked what happens to the home portfolio that the CM is handling, the senior leader said “when the necessity arises the portfolio will be handed over by the CM to the FM O Paneerselvam.” Saturday evening Apollo Hospitals’ press release stated that the CM continues to be under constant monitoring.