Getting a ticket from Amma (as Jayalalithaa is known) isn’t about just money and muscle power. For most aspirants, it is about star power.
Dressed in crisp karai veshtis (white dhotis with a border of the party tricolour), the candidates who queue up at the Poes Garden residence of AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa with pounding hearts for an interview carry more than their political bio-datas. Their file contains the all-important horoscope, which is their passport to the party ticket.
A senior party leaders says Jayalalithaa, who wants to win as many seats as possible in these Lok Sabha election so that her party can have a major say at the national level, isn’t the mood for relying on luck by chance. Luck by stars is what counts so she she wants to select candidates whose planetary positions are good.
Jayalalithaa, known for her strong belief in astrology and numerology, has always made it a point to do things at auspicious times — even if it is just a visit to her party office. She is also said to have her own bunch of astrologers whom she consults before taking important political decisions.
Sources said the AIADMK chief, who was personally interviewing the aspirants, also pulled up those who had failed to bring their horoscopes along. An aspirant from Ramanathapuram district was remiss cursed his stars. ‘‘I had no clue. In fact, my astrologer says this is a good time for me. I would have stood a good chance of getting a seat if I had brought the horoscope along. Now, my chances are spoilt,’’ he rued.
The horoscopes submitted by applicants are reportedly scrutinised by assistants of Amma’s personal astrologer. Amma herself is quite adept in the art of astrology, a party leader said.
Some wannabe MPs in the AIADMK also make their own study of planetary constellations before coming for the interview. ‘‘The influence of sukra is very powerful in my horoscope and my astrologer has said that I will definitely get a seat,’’ another aspirant exuded confidence.
In the first round of screening of applications, those who lacked financial capability to spend on electioneering were eliminated.
In the second round, the selection is based on the applicant’s educational qualifications and loyalty to the leadership. But, it is star power that ultimately is the ticket clincher, sources said.
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