With Jayalalithaa in Hospital, Her Adviser Calls the Shots in TN

Sheela Balakrishnan is a retired IAS officer who holds now court with top officials queuing up for instructions.

As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa gets treated at Chennai's Apollo Hospital, it is her adviser Sheela Balakrishnan who is said to be running the state.

Balakrishnan, 62, a retired IAS officer, holds court these days with top officials queuing up for instructions.

“Even ministers are taking instructions from her,” pointed out a top official who did not wish to be named.

“Jayalalithaa has implicit trust in Balakrishnan, both for her abilities and attitude, which is why she has become the most important person in the state today. Nothing moves without her consent,” he added.