If ever there was an accidental chief minister, it must be Edappadi K. Palaniswami, EPS to friend and foe. During Jayalalitha’s time he flew under the radar. When she died, O. Panneerselvam was the natural successor. After OPS was dethroned and Sasikala’s chief ministerial plans got nixed, her family expected Palaniswami to keep the seat warm till another nominee, TTV Dhinakaran—was ready.