TTV in Delhi; party says leader met lawyers over Sasikala’s release

CHENNAI: With Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader VK Sasikala’s expected release from prison in the limelight and its subsequent political fallout resting heavily on all regional parties, AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran’s visit to Delhi on Sunday created ripples among the State polity as he was rumoured to have met the BJP top brass. He returned to the city around 8:30 pm.

Dhinakaran, along with his PA and party functionary Mallikararjun, reportedly left for Delhi in a chartered flight around 10.15 am from Chennai. As soon as this news became public, social media was abuzz with speculations that his visit was likely to bring political change in TN.

However, AMMK sources claimed that the purpose of Dhinakaran’s visit was to secure an early release of Sasikala. “He visited Delhi to hold meetings with senior advocates on how to go about releasing his aunt. As both the State and central governments are trying to extend her jail tenure, he flew to the national capital to discuss with advocates on bringing back Sasikala at the earliest to prepare for the upcoming Assembly elections,” said a party leader on condition of anonymity. Recently, an RTI reply stated that Sasikala was scheduled to release on January 27, if the fine amount of Rs 10 crore was paid and if not, her tenure would be extended.

According to political commentator Raveenthran Duraisamy, Dinakaran’s family has been insulted the most by the BJP, especially after Sasikala was sent to prison and when the IT Department raided their properties. “Under the circumstances, Dinakaran will not seek any help from the Centre.” He also said that the BJP would not help TTV as Sasikala’s release would take away all their votes.