She entered the Apollo Hospital September 22 with 'fever and dehydration', the first bulletin had said while subsequent medical reports spoke of her responding well to prescribed treatment, to which respiratory support was added.

Adored 'Amma's' faithfuls and followers in thousands have been taking part in mass prayers for her speedy recovery in temples and other public places state-wide while groups have kept round-the-clock vigil outside Chennai hospital braving the elements. Some of the concerned beneficiaries of 'Amma's welfare schemes were even reported to have attempted to self-immolate themselves.

DMK leader Mr Karunanidhi (93) had kept demanding, to the annoyance of AIADMK Government, publication of photos of Ms. Jayalalithaa in hospital for the people to know the health condition of the Chief Minister. The opposition party had also been backing public interest litigations in the Madras High Court seeking 'real' status on the Chief Minister's health.

The High Court bench in dismissing a PIL as 'publicity interest litigation' however observed the health of the Chief Minister would be a concern for the citizens. 'A balance has to be maintained between aspects of privacy and public awareness in this behalf'.

But the Court cited the regular bulletins from the hospital which, it said, would suffice, and it is for State Government to see if some more information is required to be put in public domain. The petitioner had prayed also for appointment of an ad hoc Chief Minister till Ms. Jayalalithaa recovered fully.

The ruling AIADMK has no recognisable second line of leadership, as Ms. Jayalalithaa is the supreme leader, who alone can nominate one from among her most trusted partymen, whenever a situation warranted. She had entrusted temporary charge of office in her place to Mr O Panneerselvam, Finance Minister, on two occasions in recent past.

This was during her trial in Karnataka High Court in the case of alleged possession of wealth disproportionate to her assets relating to 1990s. Ms Jayalalithaa was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court Judge, though an appeal against his order by DMK petitioner and one by Karnataka Government itself await disposal by the Supreme Court.

There is no doubt about a political vacuum at present for major decision-making in State's governance though even from sick bed, Ms. Jayalalithaa seems to have provided guidance to her Government Ministers in the thick of the ongoing legal battle over Cauvery waters in the Supreme Court.

The apex court had been repeatedly directing a defiant Karnataka Government to release specified quantities of Cauvery water to meet the needs of the delta region farmlands in Tamil Nadu, and finally, an unwilling Chief Minister Siddharamaiah bowed to the last order heeding the Supreme Court's warning of the 'swathe of law' falling on his state.

But the Cauvery battle has entered a new phase with the Modi Government, with BJP’s eye on power in Karnataka in the near future, modifying its earlier stand on setting up of the Cauvery Management Board, as demanded by Tamil Nadu Government. The Centre has also questioned the competence of Supreme Court direction to the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board, a hang-over from the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal Award of 2007.

All the 37 AIADMK MPs in Parliament have already staged demonstrations before PMO against the Modi Government's volte face on CMB, as directed by the apex court on a special leave petition of the Jayalalithaa Government. Meanwhile a special expert team is making an on the spot assessment of the Cauvery water situation in both states.

The Tamil Nadu Government is certainly not yet in any stage of policy paralysis though administration of this major state requires major decisions on economic and social development and repair of its weak financial state. The State will be on a national watch for the duration of Ms. Jayalalithaa's absence, which is getting prolonged.

After visits of teams of specialists from AIIMS and a London-based consultant to examine and discuss the ongoing treatment for the Chief Minster, it was announced that while the line of treatment would continue, 'she would require a longer stay in the hospital'.

A more informative health bulletin of October 6, besides mentioning the Chief Minister's known history of diabetes and winter bronchitis, listed details of treatment regimen which includes 'continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics etc' The bulletin is suggestive of lung ailment and that may be the reason for her longer stay in hospital It would thus mean a period of low-key functioning for the state government in the absence of Chief Minister or collective leadership at the helm. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Jaya in hospital on Friday and stating that she is recovering steadily, has come as a big relief to the AIADMK supporters.

On the political side, state-wide local body elections including corporations in Chennai and major towns, originally ordered for October 17 and 19 as notified by the State Election Commission, now get deferred as a result of an intervention by the High Court . Upholding plea of some parties that the poll schedule was fixed in hurry and did not ensure a level playing field for all parties, the High Court has cancelled the notification and proposed issue of a fresh notification and completion of process by Dec.31.

DMK-Congress in alliance, BJP and other state-level parties are seized of local elections though the contests all over would be mainly between the two Dravidian majors in capturing as many local bodies at the urban and rural levels as possible.

AIADMK controls several corporations but retaining Chennai could be difficult for the ruling party, having bungled in the handling of the December 2015 deluge which caused unforgettable ravages for the citizens. Now Jayalalithaa’s likely long absence will create more problems for AIADMK leadership. (IPA Service)