The last time the AIADMK split in 1988 after MGR’s death the two factions had to choose a symbol that appealed to AIADMK cadres and core voters. The AIADMK (Jayalalithaa) chose the “Rooster” symbol on the suggestion of her astrologers who said that the bird found a place in the victory flag of Lord Murugan and would have an emotional and religious connect with the people of the state. Murugan, the younger son of Siva and Parvathi, is among the most worshipped deities in the state and his Palani Aandavar temple in south-west Tamil Nadu sees the largest footfalls among all temples in the state.