Sasikala later got a contract to cover a Jayalalithaa tour and the latter was impressed by her coverage. Within weeks of coming in contact with the fast-rising AIADMK star, Sasikala became her most endeared friend. This December 6, 2016, photograph shows VK Sasikala next to the mortal remains of former chief minister of Tamil Nadu state Jayalalithaa during her funeral in Chennai. Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam and AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala at the party MLA's meeting in which she was elected as AIADMK Legislative party leader, set to become Tamil Nadu CM, at Party's Headquarters in Chennai on Sunday. She would brook no argument from anyone criticising or questioning Sasikala and it was known in AIADMK circles that for Amma, Sasikala was very important.

Source: Hindustan Times February 05, 2017 15:00 UTC