Sasikala's Wealth: Sources and Controversies

V.K. Sasikala, a close aide of the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, has been convicted in a disproportionate assets case. This article explores the various sources of her wealth, including elements of her association with MGR (M. G. Ramachandran) and the influence she exerted under Jayalalithaa's leadership.

The Disproportionate Assets Case

V.K. Sasikala was recently convicted in a case concerning her disproportionate assets. According to the prosecution, Sasikala and Jayalalithaa had amassed wealth that went far beyond what could be accounted for by their known sources of income during Jayalalithaa's tenure as Chief Minister from 1991 to 1996.

M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Sasikala's Wealth

M.G. Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, was a film star turned political leader who became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977. He was a mentor to both Jayalalithaa and Sasikala. Sasikala's husband, M. Natarajan, was a close associate of MGR.

After MGR's death in 1987, Jayalalithaa took over as the leader of his party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Sasikala quickly became Jayalalithaa's confidante and aide.

Some people believe that Sasikala and her husband may have acquired some of their wealth through their association with MGR. For example, Natarajan was awarded several contracts by the Tamil Nadu government during MGR's tenure as Chief Minister.

Sasikala's Wealth Under Jayalalithaa's Leadership

After Jayalalithaa took over as Chief Minister in 1991, Sasikala's wealth significantly increased. During this period, Sasikala and her family members floated numerous companies and acquired a substantial amount of assets.

The prosecution alleged that Sasikala had amassed wealth worth approximately Rs. 66 crore, which was disproportionate to her known sources of income. This wealth included various assets such as lands, buildings, a large tea estate, businesses, cash, gold, and diamond jewelry.

The prosecution also claimed that Sasikala used her influence with Jayalalithaa to acquire wealth illegally. For example, they alleged that she used her clout to secure contracts for her family members and to get favorable decisions from government officials.

Other Sources of Wealth

In addition to potential wealth garnered from MGR and Jayalalithaa, Sasikala's wealth may have also come from other sources. She and her family were involved in various businesses, including construction, distilleries, and media. There were also allegations of illegal activities such as smuggling and corruption, though no concrete evidence currently supports these claims.

Conclusion

It is challenging to determine definitively the source of Sasikala's wealth. Some of it may have come from her husband, M. Natarajan, who was a successful businessman. It is also possible that some of it came from Jayalalithaa or other sources. Additionally, Sasikala might have acquired wealth from her businesses and illegal activities.

However, it is evident that Sasikala's wealth increased significantly after Jayalalithaa assumed the role of Chief Minister in 1991. This suggests that Sasikala may have used her influence with Jayalalithaa to acquire wealth illicitly.