AIADMK faction meets Prez to seek probe into Jaya’s death
The competitive factional feud in the AIADMK continues to simmer. A delegation of 12 MPs, owing allegiance to rebel leader O Panneerselvam met President Pranab Mukherjee to seek a probe into the "treatment provided" and the "causes that have led to the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. She died in a private hospital in Chennai on December 5 after being admitted for 75 days.
After meeting the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan, AIADMK MP V Maitryean raised suspicion over Jayalaithaa's death. “When Amma was admitted to Apollo Hospitals, everybody was told that she had fever and no major health problem, but she went on to remain at the hospital for 75 days, till she breathed her last.” He said the delegation of 12 MPs met the President because , “We think the present Tamil Nadu government won't accept our demand and hence came to the President and submitted a memorandum to demand a thorough probe.”
Earlier, London-based specialist Richard Beale, who treated Jayalalithaa until she died in December, on Monday ruled out any "conspiracy" behind her death. Addressing the media, Beale had said: "There was no conspiracy. She (Jayalalithaa) had severe infection. She had supportive care."
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu sent a reply to the Election Commission asserting that the election of the general secretary VK Sasikala was held in accordance with the rules and regulations of the party.
The reply was sent to the EC through the party’s lawyer before the February 28 deadline ran out. The EC had sent a notice to Sasikala after a complaint was lodged by the O Panneerselvam group directing it to respond to allegations failing which the commission would take a decision ex-parte. According to AIADMK sources, party deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran held a meeting with senior officials of the party before finalising the party’s response.
Now, all eyes are on poll panel as much would hinge on its decision. An adverse ruling against the party could destabilise the new government, which won the trust vote during a special session earlier this month.
KV LAKSHMANA