V.K. Sasikala: Mannargudi mastermind
SPEAKING FROM RESORT WHERE THEY ARE STAYING, MLAS DENY BEING ‘PRISONERS’
As the power struggle continued in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court yesterday declined an urgent hearing of a plea seeking direction against AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala being sworn-in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
The bench responded, “sorry declined” as the petitioner urged the judges to accord the plea an urgent hearing.
The petitioner contended that Sasikala should not be sworn-in as the verdict on Karnataka government’s plea challenging her acquittal in a disproportionate assets case was awaited.
Verdict expected
The top court is expected to pronounce its verdict on the Karnataka government’s appeal next week. Sasikala on her part dismissed E. Madhusudanan from the party for backing acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.
In his stead senior party leader K.A. Sengottaiyan has been appointed as the party presidium chairman.
Sasikala said in a statement Madhusudanan had violating the party’s principles and brought it into disrepute.
The dismissal came a day after Madhusudanan joined hands with Panneerselvam, who has revolted against Sasikala by saying he quit as chief minister under duress.
Earlier yesterday, Madhusudanan told reporters: “As per the party by-law, a person can become general secretary of AIADMK only if he/she is a member for a continuous period of five years.”
Madhusudanan said Sasikala was not a member of the AIADMK for a continuous five years and hence was not qualified to be general secretary.
A former minister, Madhusudanan is one of the long-time members of the AIADMK.
But others in the ruling AIADMK attacked Panneerselvam, saying Jayalalithaa’s “soul will not forgive” him for trying to split the party, and asserted that Sasikala will be soon sworn in as chief minister.
Responding to Madhusudanan hopping camps to join Panneerselvam, AIADMK spokesperson Vaigaichelvan said those aligning with the chief minister were those “beyond their expiry date” and people will ignore them.
“Chinnamma [Sasikala] met the governor yesterday. Good news will come soon. She will become chief minister,” he said.
He repeated the party stand that Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was behind Panneerselvam’s revolt.
Meanwhile, AIADMK MLAs backing Sasikala said yesterday they were not being held hostage. With several petitions filed in the Madras High Court and questions raised about the legislators, the MLAs met the media outside the resort where they are staying.
“MLAs cannot be kept hostage. Sasikala is treating us like how [late chief minister] Jayalalitha treated us,” said one of them, Murugumaran.