Amma’s niece floats new party; nephew stakes claim over house
CHENNAI: Deepa Jayakumar, niece of late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, formally entered the political arena on Friday, the 69th birth anniversary of her aunt, ending months of speculation.
The “MGR Amma Deepa Peravai” is not a new party but an initiative to “revive Amma’s AIADMK,” Deepa said, adding she would contest elections from the RK Nagar constituency, the borough of the late Jayalalithaa.
As a war of words broke out between the rival factions in the ruling AIADMK, the state government led by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, his predecessor and dissident leader O Panneerselvam and AIADMK observed the birth anniversary of the late chief minister in different ways including holding of medical camps and planting of saplings.
Addressing a crowded press conference at her home, Deepa said her political journey had “begun” and also unveiled a flag depicting the images of Jayalalithaa and M G Ramachandran which she said was only a flag of the forum.
Responding to a query, Deepa said the people desired that she contest from R K Nagar constituency that fell vacant following the demise of the late AIADMK supremo. Deepa, who will be the treasurer of the forum, said her next course of action would be decided in due course and she would reveal it at the “appropriate time”.
Meanwhile, once a supporter of V K Sasikala, Jayalalithaa’s nephew Deepak Jayakumar has now said her becoming the chief minister was not acceptable to the people of Tamil Nadu, while claiming that the late AIADMK chief had left behind her properties to him and his sister.
He claimed the former chief minister had bequeathed her properties, including her Veda Nilayam bungalow in Poes Garden here, to his sister Deepa and him, by leaving behind a will.