Sasikala vs OPS: Raj Bhavan keeps both waiting

A DAY after AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala staked claim to form the government, Raj Bhavan delayed its decision, plunging the state into uncertainty and prompting speculation around the possibility of Central rule.

On Friday, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao was said to be still weighing his options and his office said “he has not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India” as was being reported by some in the media.

The Raj Bhavan clarification by the Principal Secretary to Governor came after the draft of a purported report by Rao was out on social media and flashed by some TV channels.

The so-called draft mentioned the ruling expected any day from the Supreme Court on the disproportionate assets case against Sasikala, and also referred to doubts on whether she would be able to contest to get herself elected to the Assembly within six months — Sasikala is not an MLA.

The Governor, this note stated, was bound by the Constitution to wait for a few days so that a clear picture emerges for him to discharge his duties.

On Friday, the Governor met Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, DGP T K Rajendran and Chennai City police commissioner S George.

Sasikala faces a rebellion being led by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam who claims to have been forced out of office.

PTI O Panneerselvam at his residence in Chennai on Friday.