Who will be the next chief minister? That had been a moot question much before the verdict that sent Jayalalithaa to jail.br br While names of many diehard loyalists have been floated, state finance minister O Panneerselvam has emerged the strongest probable.br br Having served as chief minister for six months from September 2001 when Jayalalithaa had to step down because of the Tansi case, Panneerselvam may clinch it for his record of being tried and tested. He has remained more loyal than expected, and never made any effort to be remembered as an ex-CM.