AIADMK Crisis Day 7 LIVE: Sasikala to move out of Poes Garden, will stay with MLAs at Golden Bay Resort

AIADMK leaders reach Raj Bhavan for oath ceremony

31 MLAs including Palaniswami to be sworn in today at 4.30

Edappadi Palaniswami to manage 18 portfolios including Public Works, Highways and Ports that he was managing earlier. Here are all the names and the respective ministeries they will be managing in the new Palaniswami ministry:

Rowdies rounded up in Tamil Nadu as political crisis extends for seventh day

In the backdrop of the tension prevailing in Tamil Nadu due to the ongoing political turmoil, the police has intensified its combing operations, arresting around 500 people across the state who might create law and order problems.

Chennai tops the list of most number of men arrested across the state with a total of 105 arrests, followed by 53 in Dindugul_, 48 in Ramanathapuram, 35 in Sivagangai 31 in Virudhunagar and 24 in Namakkal. The police department has also tightened up security in prime locations of the city. As part of the precautionary measures, the police has been arresting repeated offenders and individuals with warrant recall._

A police official said that the operations are being conducted for the past few days. “And this will continue till a stable government is formed in the State,” the official said. “We have also been checking rented houses so as to prevent mass congregating of people anywhere inside the city.”

— News Today

Security breach at Karunanidhi’s residence  | ANI

MLA Saravanan and MP R Gopalakrishnan extend support to Pannerselvam | ANI

Everything will be good for me: Sasikala on DA case | ANI

I want Amma’s legacy and vision to be carried forward: Sasikala

‘Justice will prevail. Dharma will win. I want Amma’s legacy and vision to be carried forward. Everybody can watch what we do as a party under my leadership," she said while addressing the media and a gathering of her supporters at the Golden Bay Resort in Kuvathur.

Sasikala to move out of Poes Garden, will stay with MLAs at Golden Bay Resort

In another turn of events in the ongoing political crisis in Tamil Nadu, Sasikala said that she is going to move out of the Poes Garden residence and stay with the MLAs, who are allegedly being held captive at the Golden Bay Resort by her.

“People are making allegations against me. I have decided to stay back at this resort with the MLAs. Let anybody who wants to leave, leave. I have decided to move out of Poes Garden and live with the MLAs at the resort,” she said.

Sasikala also added that the final decision rests with the governor, adding that peace is paramount for the party. “MLAs living at the resort are being threatened, especially the women. The final decision rests with the governor. But what we want is that peace should be maintained. I have asked all party cadre to ensure calm. Let them protest, but nobody will resort to violence,” she added.

Jayalalithaa  beat the odds and emerged stronger after MGR: Sasikala at Golden Bay Resort

‘Jayalalithaa beat the odds and emerged stronger after MGR. In male-dominated Tamil Nadu politics, she was a woman who rose to the top," Sasikala said in an emotional interaction with her supporters at Golden Bay Resort in Kuvathur.

“Amma resides in the hearts of every individual of Tamil Nadu. (cries) I visited people in their homes, and all of them had Jayalalithaa’s photos in their houses. They told me they are with me as I have been with Amma throughout,” she added.

Taking a jibe at O Panneerselvam and his supporters, who claimed that she has held hostage MLAs, Sasikala said, “Panneerselvam is saying I have locked up 129 MLAs. Are they cattle to be locked up like this? We are all like one family.”

SC to pronounce verdict in DA case at 10.30 am on Tuesday

The Supreme Court of India will pronounce its verdict in the disproportionate assets case against AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala on Tuesday morning at 10.30 am. If convicted, Sasikala wouldn’t be able to become Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Verdict on DA case to be out tomorrow at 10.30 am in SC | ANI

DMK not supporting any faction: MK Stalin | ANI

Won’t comment on the DA case until verdict is out: MK Stalin | ANI

Guv must help form stable government, says MK Stalin citing stagnating work on farmers suicides, drought | ANI

Sasikala reaches Golden Bay Resort | ANI

Attorney General advises Governor to conduct floor test | CNN-News18

According to CNN-News18, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has advised Governor Vidyasagar Rao to conduct floor test at the earliest. He advised Rao to convene an emergency Assembly session for the same as well.

However, senior BJP Leader, Subramanian Swamy called it unconstitutional. He reiterated AG’s suggestion to what happened in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh and told CNN-News18 that the constitutional method would be to have Sasikala sworn-in as chief minister and then pass a resolution after a week to let O Panneerselvam camp prove their majority in the house.

DMK meeting in progress | ANI

Verdict on disproportionate assets case likely tomorrow | NDTV

The Supreme is likely to give its verdict on the disproportionate case involving AIADMK general secretary and others, NDTV said. 

The outcome of the case is likely to decide the course of Sasikala’s political career who is involved in a bitter battle with acting chief minister O Panneerselvam on control of the party and for the position of chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

If found guilty, Sasikala will have give up her dream of becoming the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

We will continue our peaceful protest for formation of Government: AIADMK | ANI

DA Case is not causing delay in forming govt: Sasikala | ANI

DMK treasurer MK Stalin reaches party HQ for strategy meeting | ANI

MLAs supporting Sasikala allowed to meet families | Times of India

While reports have emerged of Tamil Nadu MLAs being held at the Golden Bay Resort against their will, a Times of India report stated that the MLAs supporting Sasikala are being allowed to meet their families. The report, said, “A few of them went out of the resort to visit their family members, who reached a location near the resort. A few MLAs were (also) permitted to invite their family members for a brief stay in the resort.”

Sasikala heads to Golden Bay resort again

Chennaities  react to news of VK Sasikala being hidden away at a secret resort

Video showing MLAs dancing at resort surfaces

Mohan Guruswamy posts video of an AIADMK MLA ’enjoying himself’ at the Golden Bay resort. The video has been attributed to senior journalist George Thomas, although the veracity of the video hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Chennai residents react to latest developments in AIADMK power tussle

Rijiju says Centre won’t intervene in Tamil Nadu issue

The central government will not interfere in the political developments in Tamil Nadu as it is an internal matter of the state, said Union minister Kiren Rijiju. “This is an internal matter of AIADMK. There is no question of the central government intervening as we have no locus standi,” the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said. Rijiju said the central government will act only if Tamil Nadu goes into a situation where the intervention is required in terms of Constitutional machinery to be maintained. “This is a political matter and in this kind of political situation, the central government cannot intervene,” he said. “It comes under the state affairs. Why should the central government interfere there? There is no reason. The matter is an internal matter between the various groups or the MLAs of the AIADMK,” he said.

Subramanian Swamy says he’s just ‘following the Constitution’

Panneerselvam attends office after a week | Zee News

After a week’s gap, caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam attended office on Monday, Zee News reported . Earlier, Panneerselvam has announced on Sunday that he will visit the Secretariat on Monday. According to reports, he also wished Governor C Vidyasagar Rao a happy birthday.

As Firspost had reported earlier, apart from Panneerselvam, state education minister, K Pandiarajan was also expected to visit his office.

FIR filed against ex-AIADMK MLA Kalairajan for allegedly threatening to ‘chop off’ OPS’s hands | The News Minute

Jayalalithaa didn’t want to enter politics, claims Sasikala at Poes Garden

While Jayalalithaa voters in Tamil Nadu are still wrapping their heads around the curious sight of Sasikala and her brood on board the vehicle that held Jaya’s body before her burial. Sasikala wants to rewind 30 years to MGR’s final journey, which launched Jayalalithaa as the rebel.

Speaking in front of a tightly shut door of Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence, Sasikala was hugging Jayalalithaa’s enigma tightly and trying desperately to evoke some memories that may help turn on the people’s sympathy towards her as the suffering loyalist.

Dabbing her forehead often with a handkerchief and lurching wildly between scolding DMK and O Panneerselvam for exchanging smiles in the state Assembly, to illuminating her supporters about Sasikala, the political strategist from three decades ago, her speech at Poes Garden must rank as the most bizarre claims in the last week since she made known her desire to “capture” the Secretariat. Sample this: “When MGR died, Akka ( elder sister Jayalalithaa) said she didn’t want to join politics. She said enough of all this. I told her she should do it for MGR. Slowly, I grew her interest in politics.”

Since Jayalalithaa is 10 feet below the Marina sands and Sasikala is inside Poes Garden, there’s no telling what’s next. Sasikala certainly holds the IP for all her post-Jaya claims. She thinks Tamil Nadu voters will pick the bait, after so many years of being subjected to radio silence. Tough luck.

AIADMK rule will continue for next 4 years: Sasikala at Poes Garden | CNN-News18

Betrayer Panneerselvam is showing his true colour: Sasikala at Poes Garden

Sasikala addresses supporters at Poes Garden

Exclusive: TN Cong president Thirunavukkarasar dismisses talk of supporting either Sasikala or OPS

In a freewheeling interview with Firstpost, S Thirunavukkarasar, president for Tamil Nadu Congress justifies the sequestering of the MLAs by Sasikala, accuses the BJP of creating confusion in the state and clears the air on whether talks were on with Sasikala’s camp for the support of eight Congress MLAs.

Read the transcript  here  or watch the full interview.

We have seen 1000 such Panneerselvams: Sasikala

‘Chief Minister’s post is not important:’ AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala addresses media

No AIADMK lawmaker has complained that they are being forcibly held at Golden Bay Resort, say Tamil Nadu police in report to Madras High Court

What if Supreme Court ruling doesn’t come anytime soon?

Police presence is up across Chennai but nowhere is it more evident than on the city’s protest hotspot — now even more loaded with context because Jayalalithaa lies buried there. It will be a surprise if Marina Beach Road stays quiet all this week. 

If Sasikala protests, will she be willing to leave Poes Garden ( which she has never done) and pitch tent at Marina? And if she does, does it mean all her MLAs who were carted to the Golden Bay Resort will be ferried to Marina next? Soli Sorabjee, in different interviews, has indicated that Wednesday or Thursday is when the Supreme Court is likely to give its ruling in the DA case. What if it is Friday? Will Sasikala lose patience which she claims she is? 

All this is weighing on the Tamil Nadu bureaucracy and the state police, determined not to be caught by surprise unlike during the Jallikattu uprising. Meanwhile, reports just in that the Kancheepuram police have submitted their report to Madras High Court that there are 119 MLAs at Golden Bay Resorts. The OPS camp is alleging that they have been receiving death threats. The OPS camp continues to swell but with more MPs than MLAs. 

AIADMK’s official Twitter account tweeted, “It is mentioned in the petition that Honourable Governor should invite Chinnamma to form the government within 24 hours.”

Where were you on 7 September, 1995? 

I happened to be on Adyar Bridge in Chennai, on a bike, not inside a car. This was before the era of iPhones, before Rs 16 per minute incoming calls on plain old mobiles, before the Sukh Ram telecom scam and way before digital cameras were ubiquitous.  The bridge was beautiful and ugly. Gorgeous because some of Thotta Tharani’s work was exquisite, ugly because of the sickening amount of papier mâché and faux sculptures with wood and chopped trees. Solid gold for a video livestream.  Today, this crass display of wealth and misuse of state wealth would have people out on the streets; Jayalalithaa and Sasikala dressed in red and dripping gold, were lucky to have presided over that gaudy extravagance at a time when the next morning’s newspaper and the odd news channel did not have to fight for space with social-digital media. 

There are all kinds of stories in Tamil magazines about how the matchmaking of VN Sudhakaran and Sivaji Ganesan’s granddaughter itself was forced upon Ganesan’s family. Public outrage followed swiftly with Jayalalithaa losing big in the 1996 elections.  That’s when the disproportionate assets court case began and permanently stained Jayalalithaa’s image. The man who started it all, Subramanian Swamy, pursued the case with a vengeance and appeared in-person many times during the trial and opposed Jaya’s bail plea in the Supreme Court. It all started with Swamy filing an FIR against Jayalalithaa before the principal sessions judge, Madras.

A long read of the evidence investigated during the case is all you need to figure why Sasikala is so reviled by Tamil Nadu voters — from luxury cars to cement, kumkum boxes studded with diamonds to sarees, real estate to shell companies and most importantly so many addresses to live at other than Poes Garden. Why this peculiar infatuation of Sasikala with Veda Nilayam is likely the question behind the next public outrage in Tamil Nadu.  Apart from Sasikala, two others are chewing their nails in wait for the Supreme Court decision — J Ilavarasi and VN Sudhakaran. 

Taken together they represent the web of mystery and goon power that stained Jayalalithaa’s best years in Tamil Nadu politics.  Ilavarasi is Sasikala’s brother Jayaraman’s wife. Jayaraman is no more. Ilavarasi is now seen more often in Poes Garden after Jayalalithaa’s death. Sudhakaran, the groom for whom Chennai’s streets got decked up in a massive wedding ceremony in 1995, had a swift falling out with his foster mother Jayalalithaa. 

Jayalalithaa disowned Sudhakaran on 25 August, 1996, which he called his “independence day.” He wasn’t allowed to see Jayalalithaa during her 75-day stay in hospital. All three accused in the DA case are now praying they don’t get a long stay behind bars.

Vaigaichelvan asserts majority of MLAs are with Sasikala, not Panneerselvam

With no solution in sight for government formation in Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK has asserted that a majority of its MLAs are behind General Secretary V K Sasikala and claimed the chances of Governor C Vidyasagar Rao “inviting” her today were “high.” Party spokesperson Vaigai Chelvan said Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had the support of seven MLAs and cannot therefore prove his majority in the state Assembly in the event of a floor test. “He says he can prove his majority based on the wrong information given by someone. Majority of the AIADMK MLAs are with Chinnamma (Sasikala) and we are ready to prove our strength (in a floor test),” he told reporters in Chennai.

Sasikala was the elected Legislature Party leader of AIADMK and therefore the Governor should invite her to form government, he added. “We expect the chances of his inviting (meeting) her today are high,” he said. To a question on 11 MPs switching over to the camp of Panneerselvam, Vaigai Chelvan expressed confidence that they would return to the Sasikala fold.

PTI

Senior minister from Theni district says Panneerselvam betrayed Jayalalithaa

A senior cadre from Panneerselvam’s own Theni district SKM Mani, claimed to media persons, “Whoever believes O Panneerselvam or not, we people from Theni district know well about him. Entire AIADMK fraternity knows how Panneerselvam has worked against the success of Jayalalithaa in ground level in our district.” He said that Panneerselvam has betrayed the party and Jayalalithaa many a time.

Plea in Supreme Court to speed up govt formation in Tamil Nadu

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court to direct Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to speed up the process of forming government in Tamil Nadu. A recent report from the police department has revealed that only 119 MLAs are accommodated in Golden Bay Resorts at Koovathur. The earlier number of 130 was false.

‘No Talks With Sasikala Or OPS camps’

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, S Thirunavukkarasu, Tamil Nadu’s Congress state President says that the grand old party is waiting and watching the political scenario

The choice of S Thirunavukkarasu as state Congress President in September 2016, just about a week before late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was hospitalised, came after three months of the party remaining headless. His predecessor EVKS Elangovan had resigned in the wake of the 2016 Assembly elections when the party won only eight out of the 41 seats it contested.
 
 

Thirunavukkarasu was an interesting choice, by dint of his political history. He, along with Sasikala’s husband M Natarajan, were instrumental in propping up the Jayalalithaa faction for a victory against MG Ramachandran’s wife Janaki when the party split after MGR’s death in 1987.

 
In an almost eerie replay of what happened in 1989, VK Sasikala, Chief Minister in waiting of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) loaded over 100 MLAs who were on her side into buses, and sequestered them at resorts outside Chennai.

In a freewheeling interview with Divya Karthikeyan, Thirunavukkarasu justifies MLAs being sequestered by Sasikala, accuses the BJP of creating confusion in the state and clears the air on whether talks were on with Sasikala’s camp for the support of eight Congress MLAs.

RECAP Governor Rao should order probe into Panneerselvam’s quitting allegations

Tamil Nadu BJP unit said Governor Vidyasagar Rao should order a probe into Panneerselvam’s allegation that he was forced to resign even as it questioned the “necessity” of keeping AIADMK MLAs supporting Sasikala in “one particular place”.

BJP’s state unit president Tamilisai Sounderrajan said bringing MLAs under one roof and making them stay in one place is against democracy. “Why are all legislators (of AIADMK supporting Sasikala) staying in one particular place? What is the necessity for that? General secretary (Sasikala) goes and meets them,” she said. Talking to reporters in Chennai, Sounderrajan said when a person who is serving as chief minister (Pannerselvam) openly says he was forced to resign, it is the responsibility of the Governor to order a probe into the allegation.

“The governor’s responsibility is not only to swear in somebody. It is also his responsibility to monitor whether there is a stable government in place. My view is the Governor will not take any decision in haste,” she said. Two days after Sasikala was elected AIADMK’s state Legislature Party Leader on 5 February, paving the way for her to take over as chief minister, Panneerselvam had raised a banner of revolt saying he was forced to resign.

CR Saraswathy said: 

“We are waiting for a good reply from the Governor. We have abided by the law and done everything keeping the sanctity of democracy on our mind. Amma is with us, Puratchi Thalaivar is with us, God is with us. So everything will be positive for our side and soon Sasikala will form the government.”

If Governor does not invite us by today evening, we will discuss future course of action: Sasikala faction

Vaigaichelvan, spokesperson of the AIADMK, on Monday said, “We are expecting an invitation from the Governor by Monday evening. A trustworthy source from the governor office has ensured this. The BJP and the DMK have been restricting the governor from allowing Sasikala to form the government. We are ready to prove our majority on floor at the State Assembly soon. We will soon come to rule. Sasikala is the authorised general secretary of the party. So, there is nothing to comment on this. If the governor does not invite us to form the government we will discuss with the party’s chief executive members and will proceed with further actions from our side.”

After a week’s gap, Panneerselvam to attend office today

Tamil Nadu’s acting Chief Minister O Panneeerselvam will be attending office on Monday after a week’s gap, said officials. On Sunday, he the media that he would be going to the state secretariat on Monday. School Education Minister K Pandiarajan will also be attending office, the officials said. Panneeerselvam did not attend office ever since he revolted against Sasikala on 7 February, alleging that his resignation was a forced one. He resigned on 5 February paving the way for Sasikala to become the Chief Minister.

Why it is only MPs and not MLAs who are joining Panneerselvam’s cause

At the end of five days, O Panneerselvam has only seven legislators — himself included — to show for this rebellion. It is almost as if the caretaker chief minister, is following in the footsteps of the original Chennai Super King MS Dhoni by leaving unfinished business to the last over, which in this case is the Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate assets case. The Panneerselvam camp believes if Sasikala is run out by the SC, the chief minister can indulge in pinch-hitting to reap a rich harvest of legislators.

Team Sasikala pooh-poohs Panneerselvam’s day dreaming and refers to the initial ‘O’ in his name to label him ‘Zero’ Panneerselvam. The camp takes confidence in the fact that the legislators have not deserted Sasikala, even if it is because their right to freedom allegedly stands seriously curtailed. Panneerselvam has accused Sasikala of setting four ‘goondas’ after every MLA, using both money and muscle power to retain her flock.

But what is the real situation on the ground? Of the 135 AIADMK legislators (plus Jayalalithaa) who were elected in 2016, sources say at least 90-odd are firm Sasikala loyalists, having got their ticket thanks to the woman from Mannargudi. That is why they say, they are staying put in her camp. Anyone underestimating the hold of the Sasikala family over the MLAs, is making a grave mistake. Read the full article here

Panneerselvam visiting Secretariat is not just for the waiting cameras

For O Panneerselvam to head to the State Secretariat is tactical and essential. He’s going to Fort St. George to flex his muscles, but there’s more. In certain cases, especially regarding important projects awaiting signatures or to meet people from faraway areas or on job extensions, it’s not easy for bureaucrats to carry on in a prolonged state of uncertainty. So OPS visiting the Secretariat is more than just a top shot for waiting cameras.

Delays in such matters can change a person’s life. It’s not just about Sasikala and the political mess in the state. This also affects real people, those without Twitter handles in places without decent WiFi.

Technically, OPS is the caretaker chief minister, and the governor has asked him to continue till the stand-off is sorted. He is also in touch with the chief secretary, and optics will certainly help. Remember that chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan is new to the job and has been watching over a remarkably animated few weeks ever since she took over in late December. She was appointed in place of P Rama Mohana Rao following IT raids at his residence soon after Jayalalithaa’s death.

Ever since, the chief secretary, the DGP and senior bureaucrats of the state have all been putting things in order to deal with any situation that could erupt this week and would want to apprise OPS. It’s no secret that Panneerselvam enjoys a cordial relationship with the state bureaucracy — another point which the Sasikala camp dislikes.

@AIADMKOfficial tweets

M Thambidurai may meet President

Party sources say M Thambidurai, Sasikala faction’s heavyweight and the deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, is likely to meet President Pranab Mukherjee in order to stress upon the need to swear Sasikala in.

Sasikala may address media

The crowd of supporters outside Poes Garden to meet AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala appears to have thinned on Monday morning. A press meeting is likely to take place shortly, and Sasikala may address media persons.

Case registered against AIADMK legislator VP Kalairajan

The Chennai police have filed a case against VP Kalairajan for allegedly issuing death threats to Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam.

Whoever wins, Tamil Nadu will inherit a debt-bomb left by Amma

No matter whether it is O Panneerselvam or VK Sasikala who ultimately emerges victorious in Tamil Nadu, a huge debt pile, a drought-hit economy and millions of people in the southern state who are so used to enjoying decades of populist policies, await the new incumbent. Winning the chief minister’s role, thus, will be only the beginning of a long, tough battle for either OPS or ‘Chinnamma’.

Tamil Nadu politics have always been dominated by personality cults, from the days of MG Ramachandran, through J Jayalalithaa and now to Panneerselvam and Sasikala. Rather than an ideology or an economic agenda, personalities dictated the political regimes and even daily lives of India’s sixth most populous state. The leaders kept their flocks together by rolling out such goodies as refrigerators, gold chains, or TV sets ahead of elections.

To understand how much the personality cult dominates the state’s scheme of things one need to only take a quick glance through Tamil Nadu’s 2016-17 Budget document, presented by then finance minister, and later caretaker chief minister, Panneerselvam on 21 July. The word ‘Amma’ (mother) is used six times, the adjective ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’ is used once and references to ‘chief minister’ 31 times.

Venkaiah Naidu defends Governor Vidyasagar Rao, says Tamil Nadu already has a CM

Coming to the aide of Governor Rao, BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said, “Motives cannot be attributed to Governor C Vidyasagar Rao as he is discharging his duties as Constitutional head of the state in a ‘non-partisan manner. When you are writing to the governor, nobody should attribute motives to him. He is behaving in the most non-partisan manner and doing his duty.”

In a statement which could be perceived as a pro-Panneerselvam remark, Naidu also said, “There is no vacancy (on the post of Chief Minister) to be filled because there already is a government which is headed by a Chief Minister.”

Ball in Governor Vidyasagar Rao’s court

Both, Sasikala and Panneerselvam wished Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for his birthday on Monday morning. Last week, Rao met with the feuding leaders separately who presented their claim to take a trust vote ahead of the other. He reportedly indicated that Sasikala would get first shot. However, five days later, he has yet to reveal his decision. Rao, reportedly, is waiting for the Supreme Court verdict on whether Sasikala is guilty of colluding with Jayalaltihaa to acquire an illicit fortune worth about Rs 60 crores in the 90s. 

Sasikala, however, alleged that the delay in governor’s decision will cleave the AIADMK. It is true that with every passing day Paneerselvam’s faction gets a little bigger. After Sunday, he has 11 MPs and seven state lawmakers and has asserted that he will easily win a trust vote “if MLAs are set free and allowed to decide.”

Sasikala to leave for Golden Bay Resort to meet MLAs

​

Sources from the Tamil Nadu police department said that none of the MLAs at Golden Bay Resort have told police that they have been held captive. Meanwhile, reports said that Sasikala might leave for the resort to meet the MLAs.

Blame Tamil Nadu turmoil to no leadership succession policy in AIADMK

The ongoing political tussle in Tamil Nadu — the fifth most industrialised state of the country — has pushed it to the brink of unspeakable instability. An op-ed published in Hindustan Times said that the reason behind this could be the fact that a actual succession policy is missing in the AIADMK. “The Election Commission of India has reportedly highlighted the impropriety in the election of Sasikala, as an interim AIADMK general secretary, because such a position does not exist in the party’s organisational structure.” 

Panneerselvam definitely has more credibility to run for an administrative post than Sasikala as the former has both experience and clout to be the chief minister of the state. “Whether Sasikala can become the next CM of Tamil Nadu or not revolves largely around the Tamil peoples’ acceptance of her leadership rather than legal and constitutional considerations.”

RECAP Sasikala struggles to keep her flock together

Struggling to keep her flock of MLAs together after desertion by 10 MPs to rival Panneerselvam camp, Sasikala trashed allegation they have been held “hostage” at the resort. Sasikala, who is locked in a fierce battle of attrition with Panneerselvam, said the MLAs were staying at the resort near here of their own accord and that they were “free”. Panneerselvam, however, claimed the MLAs were held there against their will and “tortured” and sought their “release”. 

Addressing reporters at the resort, Sasikala alleged the MLAs have been receiving threats that their children will be abducted, but undeterred, they have chosen to stay there and asked their relatives to take care of them. “It shows their dedication to this movement. I was moved.. they (all the MLAs) are keen that there should not be slightest impediment to AIADMK and the government,” she said.

Sack Tamil Nadu Governor Rao: Manish Tewari

Tamil Nadu governor should be sacked as he is not felicitating oath taking ceremony. This is clear violation of constitution, says Congress leader Manish Tewari

PINNED POST: Today’s agenda

Panneerselvam flexes muscle? To visit secretariat in the afternoon

– Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, Police Commissioner met at secretariat to discuss law and order situation
– No visible movement of MPs, MLAs to the Panneerselvam camp since the morning

Sasikala’s claims to carrying forward ‘Amma’s legacy’ are highly underwhelming

Getting police from Kancheepuram to wear street clothes and guard the Golden Bay Resort on the outer reaches of Chennai where Sasikala wants us to believe her MLAs are “living like a family” is a good indication of where she gets her defiance from.

“She has no business getting the State’s cops to do her bidding but that is what is going on, that’s why people fear her,” say OPS supporters.

Sasikala formally took over as the general secretary of the AIADMK in the last week of December 2016 and since then has kicked out all those who dissented, starting with OPS.

But does Sasikala even have official locus to boot out party people? Enemy camp says no.

Hunger strike next on Sasikala’s agenda

Acting general secretary of AIADMK Sasikala might lead a hunger strike if Governor C Vidyasagar Rao does not call her back with a proposal to form the government. Sasikala staked claim to form the government two days ago, but it appears that Rao is inclined to invite her to form the government only after the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the pending disproportionate assets case.

Reports said that the Supreme Court is likely to hear the case sometime next week. Though Jayalalithaa, who died in December, and Sasikala, her closest confidante, were convicted by a lower court, the Karnataka High Court had acquitted them. The Karnataka government however had challenged the order.

Hunger strike next on Sasikala’s agenda

Acting general secretary of AIADMK Sasikala might lead a hunger strike if Governor C Vidyasagar Rao does not call her back with a proposal to form the government. Sasikala staked claim to form the government two days ago, but it appears that Rao is inclined to invite her to form the government only after the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the pending disproportionate assets case.

Reports said that the Supreme Court is likely to hear the case sometime next week. Though Jayalalithaa, who died in December, and Sasikala, her closest confidante, were convicted by a lower court, the Karnataka High Court had acquitted them. The Karnataka government however had challenged the order.

OPS and Sasikala take fight to President Pranab Mukherjee

AIADMK Karnataka state secretary V Pugazhendi told India Today that they have the support of 129 MLAs. “If we don’t get a call from the governor today, we will march to President,” Pugazhendi said.

Meanwhile, reports said that Panneerselvam will be visiting the state secretariat later on Monday. This will be hi first visit to the secretariat since he revolted against Sasikala’s move to take charge as the chief minister.

Panneerselvam’s camp: Look at the ministers who are fighting against Sasikala

As the leadership crisis and power struggle between the two warring factions of AIADMK intensifies, Panneerselvam is determined to prove his majority in the state Assembly to shut down rival Sasikala. But Panneerselvam has a group of loyalists who are making this endeavour possible for the caretaker chief minister: 

V Maitreyan: Among the first to cross over to the Panneerselvam camp, this Rajya Sabha MP has been assigned to meet Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and apprise him. He will coordinate matters with regard to the governor.

K P Munusamy: Useful for his sharp and bold attacks on Sasikala’s family members, the former minister was taking them on by himself even before Panneerselvam broke away.

K Pandiarajan: This businessman-turned-politician has been entrusted with the task of roping in high profile MLAs like R Nataraj and AIADMK ally and Nagapattinam MLA Thamimun Ansari.

P H Pandian: The OPS faction hopes to draw on the AIADMK co-founder’s experience as an assembly speaker and deputy speaker in the state assembly. He will provide inputs on constitutional matters.

E Madhusudhanan: The former AIADMK presidium chairman was a key player during the formative years of AIADMK. His rich experience will help get MLAs from Chennai constituencies. He stands staunchly against Sasikala as the acting general secretary of the party fired him from the post of presidium chairman. 

C Ponnaiyan: The former minister and AIADMK spokesman is the much-needed expert on legal matters. He held the law portfolio for 16 years under the MGR and Jayalalithaa regimes and is well-versed in law

Natham R Viswanathan: As a member of Jayalalithaa’s ‘Aivar Ani’ (five-man team), Viswanathan was privy to internal machinations and planning. The former minister will reach out to MLAs in the south.

RECAP: MLAs deflect from Sasikala camp to Panneerselvam’s

Sasikala on Sunday indicated that she had the support of 129 legislators. “You 129 MLAs are like an ocean. None can contain you by building a check dam. No efforts will destabilise this government.”

There were rumours that the MLAs were forcefully holed up in the Golden Bay resort in Mahabalipuram. Six Lok Sabha members on Sunday extended support to Panneerselvam, who is locked in a bitter battle with Sasikala, taking the total number in Pannerselvam’s camp to 10 and weakening the unified clout the AIADMK enjoyed in the lower house as the third largest group.

R Parthipan (Theni), S Rajendran (Villupuram), V Elumalai (Arani), RP Marutharajaa (Perambalur), B Senguttuvan (Vellore) and Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Tuticorin) visited Panneerselvam at his residence in Chennai.

A-list of legal minds in the Disproportionate Assets case

As we wait for the Supreme Court verdict, a look back at the A-list of legal minds whose names will remain associated with this corruption case that has its roots in a gaudy million dollar wedding that pockmarked both Tamil Nadu and Jayalalithaa’s legacy and continues to haunt Sasikala. Everytime Jayalalithaa went in and out of courts for 19 years, these are the folks behind those headlines. 

Justice John Michael D’Cunha: Special court judge who delivered the September 2014 verdict that sent Tamil Nadu into a tizzy — he convicted and jailed the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 for holding disproportionate assets. In November 2016, he was appointed judge of the Karnataka High Court.

Justice CR Kumaraswamy: The judge who acquitted Jayalalithaa of all charges in the Disproportionate Assets case. Was his judgement a “tragedy of arithmetic errors” as Subramanian Swamy calls it? The last word on that comes up this week. 

BV Acharya: First special public prosecutor in the case.

Fali S Nariman: After Jayalalithaa was jailed, her team leaned on this eminent jurist to get bail for the AIADMK chief.

Justice HL Dattu: Former Chief Justice of India Dattu heard Jayalalithaa’s petition in the Supreme Court against Karnataka High Court’s rejection of her bail plea in the DA case. 

Justices PC Ghose, Amitava Roy: Heard the appeal against the High Court Judgment delivered by Kumaraswamy J, and reserved the verdict June 2016 after 20 days of court arguments. 

Senior Advocate L Nageswara Rao: Appeared for Jayalalithaa as defence counsel in Supreme Court, argued that appeals by DMK and Subramaian Swamy had no locus.

B Kumar, S Senthil: These two led 25 lawyers from Tamil Nadu defending Jaya; strengthened the hands of more famous lawyers pushing for bail, played a leading role in the Karnataka High Court acquittal.

SC verdict hangs like a sword over Sasikala’s head: Tension running high in camp

Tension is running in the Sasikala camp, with the Supreme Court ruling expected any day this week in the the corruption case against former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa plus three others — VK Sasikala, J Elavarasi and VN Sudhakaran pending since 1996. 

A conviction means Sasikala cannot contest elections for six years after she comes out of jail. The nervousness is clearly spilling over — Sasikala broke down while addressing her AIADMK campers over the weekend and told us about her dream of “capturing” the Secretariat, conveniently unburdened by detail. Sasikala claims 129 MLAs are still with her — she needs the backing of 117 to win a floor test — while the OPS team is turning on the heat with a steady if sluggish trickle of crossover MLAs and MPs. 

Rewind to exactly a week ago to know what a rush Sasikala is in to “capture” power – she got the entire state machinery to doll up the Madras University’s grand old auditorium for her “swearing-in” that wasn’t when the Tamil Nadu governor was in Mumbai. Thankfully, the policemen wandering around there aimlessly for days are now where they should be – on the city’s main streets, ready to deal with an inevitable burst of public reaction this week, no matter what happens in the SC case. 

The Panneerselvam camp has already bought 4 days’ time after the Governor returned from Mumbai. Every extra day that it takes for the Supreme Court ruling and / or for the Governor to take a call on next steps is only going to get the Sasikala faction more high-strung and impatient. For the OPS camp, the ongoing tussle is just the beginning of an AIADMK party minus Jayalalithaa which is witnessing a rare and pleasant fallout of the chaos – more party members than ever before in the last two decades can have a go at their own mic drop moment.

What is Panneerselvam thinking? 

If there’s a floor test, the warring factions of AIADMK — needs 117 lawmakers to vote for them. If Speaker P Dhanapal, a staunch Jayalalithaa supporter and an old war horse in the party, mobilises the party MLAs and asks them to go with Sasikala, it could be troublesome for Panneerselvam. 
OPS might be thinking of two possible outcomes in the current scenario. Either the Supreme Court verdict on the DA case goes against Sasikala and puts her behind bars, or Panneerselvam bows out of this race. 

On her part, Sasikala is dealing with the baggage where she has been blamed for everything that went awfully wrong during the Jayalalithaa years while the late chief minister took the credit for all that was good and noble. “Garden” is a slur version of Poes Garden that has always meant Sasikala’s involvement. That has stuck and won’t go away easy. Tamil Nadu’s voter is unable to peer into the four years that lie ahead and see who he might vote for in 2021. 

Even if the Sasikala camp moves the High Court pushing for a swearing in, the governor can move the Supreme Court and the timing is such that this won’t do the Sasikala camp any good. If the case verdict goes against Sasikala, Governor Rao can always justify the waiting game saying I told you so, and if she goes scot free, he can use the same argument and come away looking good. For Sasikala, from now until the SC verdict, the hours will last forever.

PINNED POST: Highlights from Day 7

As her provisional swearing-in remains stalled for nearly a week now, and her supporters are slowly being poached into the camp of caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala said it was “very difficult” for a woman to be in politics, which she had seen in the time of Jayalalithaa too, and asserted that the MLAs were with her. 

As the seventh day of this joust between Sasikala and Panneerselvam begins, the support for Panneerselvam is growing but Sasikala is not out of the game yet. Not by a long shot. The power struggle in Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK continued with more MPs joining Panneerselvam, even as Sasikala said that legislators with her were being threatened but asserted that those who think she will get scared being a woman were wrong.

Read the highlights here.  

Panneerselvam raises questions

OPS claimed that the MLAs inside the resort have communicated to him the torture they are facing. He also said that Tamils across the globe are clear that Sasikala should never become the chief minister. Speaking about Jayalalithaa’s death, he said, “We have started legal work for constituting legal probe into Amma’s hospitalisation.”

Panneerselvam questions Sasikala

Questioning Sasikala’s motives, Panneerselvam said, “I have a question. Yesterday VK Sasikala went to Kuvathur (where MLAs are staying at Golden Bay resort). Why did she go?”

OPS asks MLAs to make their decisions consciously

Addressing a crowd at the same time Sasikala was making her address to the MLAs, O Panneerselvam accused Sasikala of holding the MLAs hostage. He said that they will form the government peacefully and urged the MLAs to make the right choice.

Sasikala talks about Jaya’s legacy
 

Talking about Jayalalithaa’s legacy, Sasikala broke down. She said, “After becoming General Secretary, I went to Amma’s memorial but couldn’t get out of there,magnetic power didn’t let me go away.”

Sasikala talks about Jaya’s legacy
 

Talking about Jayalalithaa’s legacy, Sasikala broke down. She said, “After becoming General Secretary, I went to Amma’s memorial but couldn’t get out of there,magnetic power didn’t let me go away.”

Sasikala addresses the MLAs 
 

Seeking a united AIADMK, Sasikala said that she has the support of 129 MLAs and that she will fulfill Jayalalithaa’s dreams if the party stands by her. She said," I will achieve everything if you all stand firmly behind me, I wont move away, I will be firm as I have been with ‘Amma’."

Sasikala breaks down while addressing party MLAs at Golden Bay resort

Sasikala accuses ’enemy parties’ of spreading false rumours

Someone trying to threathen AIADMK MLAs: Sasikala
 

Addressing the media after her meeting with AIADMK chief Sasikala, she said that she has the support of the MLAs and they are going to win the fight against Panneerselvam. Refuting allegations of her keeping the MLAs hostage, she said, “My only aim is that AIADMK doesn’t drift. All MLAs and leaders of the party are united here. Family members are saying that they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the party — the unity of the party. This indicates that AIADMK is a party of the people.”
 

Posing with Jayalalithaa’s photo, she said, “Havent kept MLAs hostage. We also know what the reality is, what the truth is. You can count the number of MLAs who have come here. Every one of these MLAs are intelligent. MLAs are receiving threats.”

When asked what the next plan of action was, she said, “Be patient and let the events unfold.”

Sasikala speaks to Jaya TV 

Speaking to Jaya TV (mouthpiece of AIADMK party), Sasikala says, “Those who were against Amma are now behind this trouble. I am used to all these threats and troubles as I have faced it in the past too and I am confident of overcoming them. I know that the grassroot workers are with me. They are the true torchbearers of the party.”

Heavy Police deployment outside Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur, meeting underway between Sasikala and MLAs

​Sasikala reaches Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur to meet MLAs, reported ANI.

Options before Sasikala, Panneerselvam and Vidyasagar Rao

The Supreme Court verdict could prove to be the game changer and bring an end to this drama, irrespective of what the Governor does or does not do. While Panneerselvam reaches out to the people’s court, by releasing the list of phone numbers of all lawmakers and asking people to call up the MLAs to question why are they still with Sasikala, the Supreme Court may just hold the key to Fort St George, where the Tamil Nadu Secretariat is located.

Read the full analysis here .

BJP leader and Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Tamil Nadu crisis

“He (TN Governor) will take a right decision. We are respecting his opinion: Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan to News18.

BJP demands probe into Panneerselvam’s allegation of being forced to resign 

Tamil Nadu BJP on Sunday said Governor Vidyasagar Rao should order a probe into O Panneerselvam’s allegation that he was forced to resign even as it questioned the “necessity” of keeping AIADMK MLAs supporting VK Sasikala in “one particular place”.

Inputs from PTI

Watch: Supporters performing aarti of VK Sasikala

​

#WATCH : Supporters performed ‘Aarti’ in front of VK Sasikala when she was en route to Kuvathur’s Golden Bay resort. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/1b6xUYNY9u

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 12, 2017

Maitreyan to meet Governor Rao

News18 reports that Rajya Sabha MP V Maitreyan, who was amongst the first to support O Panneerselvam, would meet Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao.

Sasikala supporters clash with media 

News18 reports that Sasikala supporters have clashed with the media that has gathered outside the Golden Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram.

Supporters gather at Panneerselvam’s residence

D Jayakumar in Sasikala camp

Speaking to News18, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar dispels rumours of him joining the O Panneerselvam camp, says he is still with Sasikala.

Support grows for OPS camp. Actor Manobala supports caretaker CM

Jayalalithaa’s former nurse dismisses claims of Sasikala’s involvement in late chief minister’s death

Jayalalithaa’s former nurse defends Sasikala

Jayalalithaa’s former nurse on Sasikala

Sasikala compares her current situation to Jayalalithaa’s

​

Sasikala quells rumours on writing about killing self 

Sasikala dismissed social media rumours that she had ever written a letter to the governor threatening to kill herself if she is not made the chief minister. She called the letter ‘fake’ and the handiwork of her rivals.

Sasikala invokes Jayalalithaa

News18 reports Sasikala as saying, “I have witnessed Jayalalithaa manage far worse challenges to the party. I have been by her side through all that.” She also added that she has faith in India’s constitution and democracy.

Sasikala leaves for Golden Bay Resort

AIADMK supremo VK Sasikala leaves her residence and is on her way to visit MLAs currently staying in Golden Bay Resort in Mahabalipuram.

Does governor’s interpretation of situation reflect intentions of the Centre?

Vidyasagar Rao’s interpretation of the situation makes everyone suspect the intentions of the Centre. He has made it clear that he would wait for a few days so that a clear picture can emerge. This has no doubt given time to Panneerselvam. With Rao seemingly not inclined to invite Sasikala, the message to her camp followers has gone out loud and clear. Some of the MLAs have woken up and smelt the Chennai filter kaapi. The fact that Saturday has seen two MPs and the Education Minister K Pandiarajan jumping ship, suggests that the strategy is working. 

Read the full analysis here

Now the official confirmation

Number of Lok Sabha MPs supporting OPS now stands at ten

With five MPs extending support to O Panneerselvam on Sunday, the total number of Lok Sabha MPs in the OPS camp stands at ten. Already two Rajya Sabha MPs, R Lakshmanan and V Maitreyan support the caretaker chief minister.

AIADMK MLA T Tamilselvan says he has not been forced to stay in resort

M Pandiarajan met Sasikala’s husband or his namesake Mylapore MLA?

AIADMK MP Vaithilingam speaks to media

AIADMK tweets R Lakshmanan’s expulsion 

Pandiarajan meets Sasikala’s husband M Natarajan

VK Sasikala to meet MLAs in resort soon

News18 reports that the AIADMK supremo will soon meet the MLAs who are currently kept in Golden Bay Resort at Mahabalipuram.

Lakshmanan, another leader S Rajendran meet OPS

Rajya Sabha MP R Lakshmanan may join OPS camp

CNN-News18 reports that R Lakshmanan, who has been expelled by VK Sasikala, is all set to join the O Panneerselvam camp.

DA case behind deadlock 

Sources told India Today that the impending DA case verdict is the main reason behind Governor Vidyasagar Rao’s reluctance in swearing-in VK Sasikala as the next chief minister.

Another leader sides with OPS

Swamy tweets on DA case

Subramanian Swamy tweets on latest development

DMK to hold meeting tomorrow

Soli Sorabjee on Tamil Nadu deadlock

While speaking to CNN News18, Soli Sorabjee said, “The governor can defer the swearing-in ceremony but not for indefinitely. If judgement on DA case doesn’t come in next week then he has to act as cabinet advise. I hope SC may deliver the verdict by Wednesday.”

Tamil Nadu BJP dissents from Swamy’s view

On Saturday, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy had called on the Governor in Chennai"s Raj Bhawan. Swamy insisted on making Sasikala the chief minister. However BJP State President Tamilisai Soundararajan told media that Swamy’s stands were his own and it is not the party’s official line.

Sasikala loyalists protest

Jeyasingh and Senguttuvan speak

News18 reports  OPS camp MPs Jeyasingh and Senguttuvan as saying, “Panneerselvam is the only person who can follow the footstep of Jayalalithaa. He is the one who raised Jallikattu issue before PM Modi. He is a simple man and can understand people’s problem better than any state leaders. We are with Panneerselvam”.

Vidyasagar Rao consulted Soli Sorabjee on Tamil Nadu crisis

According to News18, Tamil Nadu C Vidyasagar Rao consulted eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee to end political crisis over next chief minister of the state. However, the governor was asked by other experts to wait till Supreme Court’s verdict on disproportionate case.

Another MP joins Panneerselvam camp

Actor Ram Rajan extends support to OPS 

Only 44 MLAs signed the blank paper 

According to CNN-News18, during Sasikala’s meeting at Mahabalipuram’s Golden Bay Resort, only 44 out of the 130 odd MLAs signed on a blank paper extending support for her claim to be the chief minister.

Fisheries Minister too expected to join OPS

Reports suggest that fisheries minister D Jayakumar is also expected to extend his support to caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam.

Updates continue.

Two AIADMK MPs join OPS map

Two AIADMK MPs, Tuticorin MP Jeyasingh Thiyagaraj and Vellore MP B Senguttuvan extend support to caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

All MLAs are happy, says Sasikala, denying rifts within her camp

Delaying tactics an attempt to create diversions: Sasikala

Desertions rattle VK Sasikala camp

Worries are mounting for AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, as P Benjamin, another influential leader and Minister of Rural Industries, switched over to O Panneerselvam’s camp. This came just hours after state education minister Ma Foi Pandiarajan and fisheries minister Jayakumar also left the Sasikala camp. Later in the day, AIADMK MP V Sathyabama also met Paneerselvam and offered her support to the caretaker chief minister.

Subramanian Swamy meets governor Vidyasagar Rao

Tirupur MP Sathyabama joins Panneerselvam camp

Sasikala may withdraw, suggests report

A report in India Today has suggested that VK Sasikala left from the Golden Bay resort on a sour note, and may even withdraw from the chief ministerial race, and might even announce a new name for the post.

Sasikala leaves Golden Bay resort after speaking to MLAs

VK Sasikala has left the Golden Bay resort in Mahaballipuram. She is headed back to Chennai, and it’s not known yet what she will do once back in the state capital.

Rural industries minister P Benjamin joins Panneerselvam

Following K Pandiarajan, P Benjamin, the minister of rural industries, has also joined ranks with O Panneerselvam’s faction. Coming just hours after Pandiarajan’s defection, this is expected to be a big boost for the caretaker chief minister.

Ponnaiyyan extends his support to O Panneerselvam; verdict for disproportionate assets case would be given after Monday

Senior AIADMK leader C Ponnaiyyan extends his support to O Panneerselvam faction. In the meantime, the apex court has said that the verdict for disproportionate assets case would be given only after Monday.

Samathuva Makkal Katchi leader and ex-MLA Sarath Kumar also joins Panneerselvam’s camp.

Panneerselvam starts signature campaign to convert Poes Garden to memorial

Acting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam started a signature campaign to convert the Poes Garden residence of the late J Jayalalithaa into a memorial.

On Thursday, Panneerselvam said the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa will be converted into a memorial.

Speaking to the media at his residence on Thursday, Panneerselvam said: “Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence will be converted into a memorial.”

— IANS

Sasikala’s meeting with MLAs was to discuss next set of actions: AIADMK

Sasikala leaves Golden Bay Resort after meeting MLAs | ANI

AIADMK leader C Ponnaiyan meets Pannerselvam, extends support | ANI

Slogans raised in support of Sasikala at Golden Bay Resort after meeting MLAs | ANI

Supporters with Sasikala inside Golden Bay Resort | ANI

Sasikala present along with MLAs at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur | ANI

Police force being deployed outside Golden Bay Resort, Sasikala inside | ANI

Drama is coming to close soon, our number will be more than 135: Pandiarajan | ANI

Security tightens around Raj Bhavan

Security around the Raj Bhavan in Chennai has been increased with more police personnel being deployed in the area, sources said.

Sasikala holds meeting with MLAs at Golden Bay Resort | ANI

Mood on the ground turns against Sasikala

According to the The News Minute website, public anger is turning sharply against AIADMK and its chief, VK Sasikala in Koovathur, the town where the Golden Bay Resort is located. Village residents have complain to Puthiya Thalaimurai that their roads are being blocked, street-lights switched off at night, all to ensure the MLAs can remain sequestered.

AIADMK MP says Sasikala has threatened Governor, demands action

AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP V Maitreyan on Saturday urged President Pranab Mukherjee and the central government to take “severe action” against VK Sasikala, for her “threatening” statement against the state governor. “She has threatened the Tamil Nadu governor, a Constitutional authority. We urge the president, the prime minister, the home minister to take severe action against her,” Maitreyan, who has joined the Panneerselvam camp, told IANS.

Sasikala reaches Golden Bay resort in Mahaballipuram

VK Sasikala has reached the Golden Bay resort, where 27 of her MLAs are said to be lodged. It is believed that she will take back the MLAs to Raj Bhavan, as proof of her support within the party.

SC won’t hear disproportionate assets case against Sasikala on Monday

Sasikala’s fate will hang in the balance for a bit longer, as the verdict in the disproportionate assets case against VK Sasikala and J Jayalalithaa in the Supreme Court will not be announced on Monday. According to CNN-News18, it could even take all week for the apex court to announce its decision.

Not afraid of anybody, Sasikala tells supporters

“We are going through high trouble. I have all your support, and so, I’m not going to get afraid of anyone. We will do whatever needed to save the party with its 1.5 crore cadres. I have the responsibility to take care of this,” said VK Sasikala, speaking to party supporters.

To read full article, click here

Sasikala to visit Jayalalithaa’s memorial at Marina Beach

Sasikala leaves Poes Garden

Sasikala leaves Poes Garden and goes over to the Golden Bay resort, where she will meet all the Tamil Nadu MLAs supporting her.

Sasikala may bring her MLAs to Raj Bhavan

VK Sasikala leaves Poes Garden bound for the Golden Bay Resort. According to The News Minute website, she is expected to meet her MLAs there and bring them along with her to Raj Bhavan where she will meet governor Vidyasagar Rao again.

Sasikala urges governor to act soon

VK Sasikala, requesting governor C Vidyasagar Rao to act soon, has also told him that she was entrusted with the responsibility of running the party.

O Panneerselvam welcomes Pandiarajan

Amma was confident in my abilities, says Sasikala

After Pandiarajan, two more ministers to join OPS camp: Sources

After K Pandiarajan joined the O Panneerselvam camp earlier on Saturday, sources revealed that two more ministers from the Sasikala faction are set to join the expelled leader. However, their names are not revealed yet.

As pressure builds, Sasikala writes to Vidyasagar Rao requesting immediate decision

As news of defections — most notably that of Tamil Nadu education minister K Pandiarajan — begins to trickle in, the pressure appears to be well and truly on the VK Sasikala camp.

On Saturday — the fifth day of the AIADMK crisis, Sasikala wrote to Governor Vidyasagar Rao requesting that he show consideration for the welfare of Tamil Nadu and take an immediate decision. She also requested that Rao make some time for her to meet with him and her MLAs as soon as possible.

Her letter also highlighted the fact that the Constitution, democracy and sovereignty has to be protected.

It may be recalled that the caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam had offered his resignation to Rao on 5 February and the governor accepted it. But barely two days later, Panneerselvam did a complete volte face, leading to the situation in which Tamil Nadu presently finds itself.

— Newstodaynet.com

(Image courtesy: PTI)

Peace has a limit, will do whatever required to save party: Sasikala to AIADMK cadres

​Soon after O Panneerselvam supporters thronged his residence, AIADMK general secretary Sasikala address her supporters at the party office. Sasikala asked cadres to stay strong and stand to save the party and the state.

“We’re showing patience in the interest of democracy. But will do what is required after a point. Everyone has a limit to maintain peace,” she said. While support for Panneerselvam faction of the party is rising in the state with education minister K Pandiarajan becoming the first minister of state to defect to the Panneerselvam camp, the voices of dissent seems to be rising, thus adding to the problems of Sasikala, who was recently elevated to the position of legislature party head of the AIADMK. 

“We are going through a high trouble. I have all your support, and so, I’m not going to get afraid of anyone. We will do whatever needed to save the party with its 1.5 crore cadres. I have the responsibility to take care of this,” she said.

Pandiarajan arrives at OPS residence

Royapuram resident files missing complaint for fisheries minister Jayakumar

A complaint has been filed in Chennai Police Commissioner’s office by a voter of Royapuram Legislative Assembly constituency. In his complaint, the voter has mentioned that his constituency MLA and fisheries department minister Jayakumar has gone missing, and requested the police to find him.

AIADMK leader Prasath joins Panneerselvam camp

After G Ramachandran, secretary of AIADMK’s IT wing extended his support to O Panneerselvam faction of the party, now deputy secretary, Prasath too joined the caretaker chief minister’s camp on Saturday. Ramachandran was sacked by Sasikala three days ago, as he had reportedly supported Panneerselvam.

Immanuel Sekaran Nathan group joins Pannerselvam

Posters supporting Panneerselvam throng walls in Chennai

Lawyers who ran campaign signature for Panneerselvam extend support

More than 600 advocates in Chennai who are members of the AIADMK party have also extended support to the O Pannerselvam faction. They had started a signature campaign with Panneerselvam signing the first signature.

Meanwhile, Sasikala supporters arrive at Poes Garden

Thiruvarur Thangarasu’s daughter also extends support

PH Pandian’s son arrives at Panneerselvam residence

Manoj Pandian, son of former Speaker PH Pandian who had alleged foul play in J Jayalalithaa’s death, arrived at the Panneerselvam residence with his group of supporters.

South Chennai ex-MLA Sridhar arrives at Pannerselvam’s residence

O Panneerselvam names a baby girl as Jayamonisha.

Panneerselvam along with his supporters at his residence

AIADMK party workers finally allowed inside Panneerselvam residence

After a brief interaction with media persons on Saturday morning, AIADMK party workers who had thronged the O Panneerselvam residence since morning were allowed inside. Though everyone from Members of Parliament Namakkal Sundaram and Ashok Kumar of Krishnagiri, to  Jayalalithaa’s classmate Bader Sayeed and Former MLA C Aranganayakam addressed the media, Panneerselvam remained quiet at most times.

While Sundaram made of AIADMK leader and Sasikala supporter M Thambidurai and called him a traitor, AIADM leader Subrayan belittled Sasikala saying, “Aayas should not become chief minister.”

Education minister K Pandiarajan joins Panneerselvam faction

Education minister K Pandiarajan confirmed his support to the O Panneerselvam faction in the AIADMK on Saturday. With this Pandiyarajan has become the first minister of the state to join the Panneerselvam faction. Interestingly, Pandiyarajan had also assisted Sasikala when she met Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday.

Former MLA C Aranganayakam arrives at Panneerselvam’s residence, reiterates support

‘I had already extended my support. I came here today to strengthen our hold. A criminal case needs to be initiated against all those who forced Panneerselvam (to resign).  If Sasikala becomes chief minister, the assembly will not even hold two months,’ he said.

Jayalalithaa’s classmate Bader Sayeed extends support to Panneerselvam

‘I came here for extending support to him. Amma is no more. O Pannerselvam is the here for us. My heartfelt congratulations.’

Will listening to collective voice of voters: K Pandiyarajan of Sasikala faction

Perhaps what could be seen as a message to O Panneerselvam and his faction, Education Minister Ma Foi K Pandiyarajan of Sasikala faction just now tweeted:

Sundaram calls for CBI inquiry on Jayalalithaa’s death

‘We are all Iyyappa devotees. We have come all the way from there. CBI inquiry needs to be conducted on the demise of the chief minister (Jayalalithaa). Her house should be made a memorial.’

Namakkal Sundaram calls M Thambidurai traitor

Namakkal Sundaram, one of the MPs who extended their support to O Panneerselvam, praised the caretaker chief minister.

Speakign to the media, he said, “Except M Thambidurai everyone will Come. MLAs are going to join us one by one.”

Thambidurai had earlier dismissed O Panneerselvam’s claim that he was forced to resign on 5 February.

Sundram criticised Thambidurai. He said, “During Amma’s demise we were all watching what happened to Amma. Coming to Amma’s funeral in a churidar is one of the worst parts to start with. Instead of mourning the demise of the late chief minister, the gang (Thambidurai and his supporters) was discussing their next plans. Thambidurai was combing hair while Narendra Modi entered.”

The AIADMK leader called Thambidurai a traitor: “Jaya knew very well about you. You are the traitor.”