SASIKALA ELECTED GENERAL SECY OF AIADMK

Chennai: V.K. Sasikala, who remained Jayalalithaa’s shadow in public for nearly three decades and wielded considerable clout behind the scenes, was on Thursday appointed the AIADMK general secretary, a decision of the general council made in her absence that she immediately accepted.

Chennai, Dec. 29: V.K. Sasikala, who remained Jayalalithaa’s shadow in public for nearly three decades and wielded considerable clout behind the scenes, was on Thursday appointed the AIADMK general secretary, a decision of the general council made in her absence she immediately accepted.

A meeting of the general council, which is AIADMK’s top decision making body, attended by all top leaders including Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam took the decision arming her with all the powers to steer the party after Jayalalithaa’s demise by adopting a resolution unanimously.

Notwithstanding the reported rumblings in the party, the council took the step capping days of speculation on Jayalalithaa’s successor following her death on December 5.

In line with the stipulations set out in the party rules with regard to election to the coveted post, 60-year-old Sasikala, also called ‘Chinnamma’, will be formally elected as general secretary soon, the resolution said.

Top party leaders led by Panneerselvam called on Sasikala at the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa and apprised her of the party decision.

The Chief Minister along with other leaders including Lok Sabha deputy leader M. Thambidurai and Edappadi K. Palanisamy handed her a copy of the party resolutions.

An emotional Sasikala, clad in Jayalalithaa’s favourite green, later placed the resolutions in front of a portrait of Jayalalithaa and paid floral tributes to the departed leader.

Amid chants of “Long Live Chinn-amma,” Sasikala told the leaders and General Council members that she has accepted the decision.

The normally reclusive Sasikala, who has never been heard in public, was long considered a power centre with many of her dominant Thevar community members getting party positions.

This general council adopts this resolution appointing Chinnamma V.K. Sasikala as the party general secretary — O. PANNEERSELVAM, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister