Tamil Nadu Trouble Continues As Panneerselvam Revolts Against Sasikala, Stakes Claim At CM Post

Just a couple of hours after an AIADMK spokesperson told a TV channel that, "O Panneerselvam suggested Sasikala's name for CM as he needed her guidance," the three-time chief minister of Tamil Nadu did something 'unthinkable'.

After 'meditating' at Jayalalithaa's burial site at the Marina Beach in Chennai late on Tuesday, Panneerselvam came out against the party line and claimed that he was forced to quit as the CM.

PTI

"I am saying these facts in front of you to make things clear in public. I will continue to struggle."

Panneerselvam, who has tendered his resignation to the governor on Sunday making way for Sasikala to assume office also hinted at taking back his resignation.

"If people of the state and party cadres desire so, I will do it.¡±

Stung unexpected the Sasikala camp got into a hurdle late night and expelled Panneerselvam as the party's treasurer, and asserted that Sasikala will be the party's leader.

BCCL

Sasikala also hinted at expelling Panneerselvam from the party. "We will definitely remove Panneerselvam from the primary membership of the party," she said. She has also blamed the main opposition DMK for the crisis, an allegation which has been rejected by the party and OPS.

While the Panneerselvam cap says they have the support of 40 MLAs, Sasikala camp still is confidant of the numbers in their favour if it comes to a confrontation between the two sides.

BCCL

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who is in Mumbai has not given any indication of returning to the state amid the political crisis. This has further dampened the chances of Sasikala assuming office as the chief minister.

According to many, the OPS camp is buying time until the Supreme Court delivers the verdict in the Rs 66.5 crore disappropriate assets case, which is expected anytime in the coming days.

If Sasikala is convicted in the case it will automatically disqualify her, ending the hopes of becoming the CM.

BCCL

Sasikala, the longtime aide of Jayalalithaa had taken control of the AIADMK after the death of Amma, amid widespread protest from party supporters and Jaya's family members.