Whenever a new government takes office, new power centres inevitably emerge around it. During the previous DMK regime, while then Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin and son-in-law Sabareesan were seen as major centres of influence, figures such as London Venkat, Praveen Ganesh, Ratheesh, Anna Nagar Karthik and Stalin’s aide Dinesh also wielded considerable clout behind the scenes, as reported by Junior Vikatan.
Under the present TVK government, while Vijay promised that he is the only power centre after his oath-taking ceremony, even a layman with minimal political knowledge knows that Vijay’s strategist John Arokiasamy and his close friend Vishnu Reddy are widely regarded as influential figures. At the same time, another rivalry has reportedly begun heating up the corridors of power in Panaiyur. The growing friction between Vijay’s longtime confidant Jagadish Palanisamy, popularly known as “Route” Jagadish, and producer Ramkumar has become a major talking point within party circles.
“What Mood Is Sir In?” – The Influence of Jagadish
Jagadish Palanisamy has been closely associated with Vijay for well over a decade. Introduced to Vijay through director AR Murugadoss, he gradually became one of the actor-turned-Chief Minister’s most trusted managers. Over the years, he also managed the affairs of director Atlee and actors including Keerthy Suresh, Rashmika Mandanna and Samantha.
Having founded the company Route, Jagadish eventually rose to the level of co-producing the film Master alongside Vijay’s uncle Xavier Britto.
Even before TVK came to power, Jagadish’s influence within the party had reportedly become significant. As someone believed to be familiar with every move Vijay made, he became an important source of information for senior leaders. Party insiders claim that even TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand would reportedly seek updates from Jagadish regarding the Chief Minister’s mood and thinking. A separate group within the party allegedly emerged whose members cultivated close ties with him.
Jagadish’s influence is said to have grown further among officials after Vijay personally attended his recent housewarming ceremony dressed in traditional silk attire.
Another individual known to enjoy Vijay’s confidence is producer Ramkumar.
Ramkumar’s Role
Ramkumar, who served as executive producer for Vijay’s films Leo and GOAT, has reportedly been involved in planning Vijay’s travel schedules ever since the launch of TVK. Party sources describe him as a trusted aide who executes Vijay’s instructions precisely, which has ensured his continued proximity to the Chief Minister.
Even after Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister, Jagadish and Ramkumar have continued travelling with him regularly. However, what has now become a hot topic within political circles is the reported ego clash between the two men.
“Who Will Become The Next Dinesh?”
Several senior TVK functionaries who spoke about the issue claimed that the conflict essentially revolves around who would eventually emerge as the equivalent of Dinesh, the influential aide who was widely perceived to be an all-powerful figure during Stalin’s administration.
According to them, Jagadish and Ramkumar are both vying for that position of influence.
Sources claim that Jagadish enjoys greater personal closeness to Vijay than Ramkumar does. Because of this, many believe Jagadish’s name could be favoured for the post of Personal Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Party insiders allege that Ramkumar has been attempting to prevent such an outcome.
According to these claims, Ramkumar has been encouraging Jagadish to consider a direct political role by reportedly suggesting that he could aspire to become a minister instead of remaining behind Vijay as an aide. Such conversations are said to have sparked political ambitions in Jagadish.
As a result, Jagadish is reportedly seeking an opportunity to contest the upcoming Tiruchirappalli East by-election. The calculation, according to party sources, is that an electoral victory could eventually pave the way to a ministerial berth.
Insiders further claim that if Jagadish enters electoral politics, the Chief Minister’s Personal Secretary position could naturally fall to Ramkumar.
According to these sources, Vijay has yet to fully grasp the power dynamics unfolding around him.
Trichy East Seat Becomes New Battleground
Party leaders point out that there are already several aspirants for the Trichy East constituency.
Former AIADMK leader KP Krishnan has reportedly sought the seat for his son Chiranjeevi. Former minister Vellamandi Natarajan, who recently joined TVK, is also said to be expecting an opportunity.
In addition, more than a dozen individuals from Vijay Makkal Iyakkam have reportedly requested nominations.
Against this backdrop, party insiders allege that Jagadish is exerting pressure on the Chief Minister to select him as the candidate despite competing claims from local party figures. According to them, Vijay is finding it difficult to arrive at a final decision.
Access To The Inner Circle
Within the Chief Minister’s office, there is reportedly a special waiting area known informally as the “Antique Room,” where VIP visitors are received before meetings.
Sources claim that apart from John Arokiasamy and Vishnu Reddy, only Jagadish and Ramkumar have been granted access to sit inside this room.
The fact that both men enjoy such privileged access while simultaneously engaging in a battle for influence has added to the intrigue within party circles.
Senior TVK figures are now said to be closely watching developments, eager to see which of the two influential figures ultimately emerges victorious in this ongoing power struggle.
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