Jayalalitha’s niece launches a new political forum
Deepa said she has been receiving several requests to enter politics
JJayalalitha’s niece Deepa launched a new political forum while rival factions in ruling AIADMK provided welfare assistance across Tamil Nadu on her 69th birth anniversary yesterday in an escalating fight for her legacy.
As a war of words broke out, 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 Jayalalitha and MG Ramachandran which she said was the flag of the forum named as ‘MGR AMMA Deepa Forum’.
Responding to a query, Deepa said the people desired that she contest from RK Nagar constituency that fell vacant following the demise of the late AIADMK supremo.
Deepa said she had been receiving several requests to enter politics and yesterday’s announcement was to respect their wishes.
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, in a veiled attack on Panneerselvam, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, who is lodged in a Bengaluru prison, said, “When enemies and traitors wanted to defeat the party and the government, Amma’s soul guided us and has put up the AIADMK government in the seat of power.”
- PTI