Later, the party decided decided that Sasikala would take over from Mr Panneerselvam as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
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Considered a VK Sasikala loyalist, AIADMK lawmaker K Pandiarajan today triggered speculation that he could switch sides after the legislator tweeted that he would listen to the “collective voice of his voters”, remarks that are perceived to be a reference to the public opinion that favours Chief Minister O Panneerselvam’s continuation in the post.
“I was forced to step down…”
He even alleged that he didn’t get an opportunity to meet Jayalalithaa when she was in hospital for 75 days.
Before heading to Raj Bhavan with at least ten ministers, Sasikala, who was elected leader of the AIADMK legislature party last Sunday, visited the Jayalalithaa memorial on Marina Beach.
The channel, which said it has a copy of the report sent by the governor, reported that he also took note of the PILs against Sasikala, on which verdict was pending.
Addressing media persons outside his residence, Panneerselvam said, “There have been doubts about Amma’s death”.
Never given any formal role by Jayalalitha in the party or the state government, Sasikala’s role was always that of aide and confidante. “Recommended an enquiry commission”, he says. All the news about her health is planted.
She asserted that all the party MLAs were with her and hence there is “no problem” in her becoming the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Sasikala dismissed Panneerselvam’s charge that he was forced to quit and threatened, and said Panneerselvam was prompted by DMK to level the charge.
As crisis unfolded in the ruling party this week, the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) seems to be waiting to grab an opportunity amid the political uncertainty and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) does not want to be seen as a mute spectator.
Feb 8: Panneerselvan promises to meet people in every part of the state. “I did not force Panneerselvam to do anything; what he is saying is not correct”, she stressed. He said they have the “blessings” of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. “I neither saw nor heard of any other leader meeting her”.
Reads out a letter Sasikala allegedly wrote to Jayalalithaa, seeking apology for her actions and promising not to seek any political position and use her influence.
He also felt that the Governor may ask the caretaker CM O Panneerselvam to prove majority in the Assembly in view of his claims that he can emerge victorious in the floor test.
He said the party can now issue a party Whip on the manner in which the legislators have to vote or the party could also replace the Whip.
“Chinnamma stakes claim to form Government”, AIADMK tweeted.
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Governor Vidya Sagar’s latest announcement has come as a shocker to Saikala and her supporting MLAs. Following this, ministers such as KA Sengottayan, who were keeping a watch over the MLAs, scurried for cover. Though Rao accepted his resignation, Panneerselvam was asked to continue his duties until further arrangements were made.
