Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala to become chief minister of India's Tamil Nadu

V K Sasikala, head of ruling party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is all set to become the chief minister of the state, party officials said Sunday.

Sasikala also know as Sasikala Natarajan and "Chinnamma" (younger mother) according to AIADMK was Sunday elected as the chief of AIADMK's legislature party, during a meeting, thereby clearing decks for her takeover as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

"Honourable Chief Minister Thiru O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala) as the leader of AIADMK legislature party during a meeting today," AIADMK spokesman said. "Now Chinnamma is all set to become the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu."

According to the spokesman, Sasikala has agreed to become the chief minister and lead the state.

"It was Panneerselvam who insisted first that I become the chief minister of the state," the spokesman quoted Sasikala as having said.

"Tamil Nadu government will always work towards the welfare of the people."

60-year-old Sasikala was a longtime aide of J Jayalalithaa, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

During Jayalalithaa's tenure, Sasikala was never given any role in the party or the state government.

Jayalalithaa, a former movie star, has served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on numerous occasions since 1991. The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa was hospitalized on Sept. 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration.

It was Sasikala who performed Jayalalithaa's last rites.

Sasikala was made AIADMK general secretary earlier this year.

So far Sasikala is not a member of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. She has to become a legislator within six months of taking charge as chief minister. Endit