<p>The game of thrones saga in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu continues to rumble on as the opposition party told a high court that the trust vote conducted to choose the next chief minister was unconstitutional.</p>

<p>DMK has argued that the trust vote is invalid because the trust vote was introduced twice in the house.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu has been a cesspool of ugly politics in recent days as the ruling AIADMK party was riven by infighting over the next political head of the state.</p>

<p>But the bedlam that ensued in the state assembly on Saturday (February 18) -- the day of the trust vote -- capped off a week of tumult in Tamil politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KC Palaniswami, who is close to the now-jailed party chief&nbsp;VK Sasikala, won the trust vote by winning support of 122 lawmakers.</p>

<p>On the day of the confidence vote, the DMK asked the speaker to conduct the process via a secret ballot, arguing this would reveal deep divisions in the ruling party.</p>

<p>But when their plea was turned down, the DMK led a vociferous protest in the house and were caught on camera heckling&nbsp;the speaker, forcing the assembly to be adjourned multiple times.</p>

<p>The trust vote took place once all the DMK-affiliated lawmakers were barred from entering the house.</p>

<p>The DMK since has viewed the trust vote as being illegal.</p>

<p>The political bomb started ticking in Tamil Nadu when the then chief minister O Panneerselvam stepped down from his post, which was initially viewed by the commentariat as him paving the way for AIADMK chief Sasikala.</p>

<p>But 48 hours later, the situation spiralled out of control when Panneerselvam said he was forced to resign by party members.</p>

<p>Soon, the AIADMK was split in the middle: one faction backing Sasikala and the other Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>But days later, India&#39;s highest court scythed Sasikala&#39;s bid to become the next chief minister as she was convicted for four years on corruption charges.</p>

<p>But before Sasikala was jailed, she anointed Palaniswami to be fight in her place.</p>

<p>The vanquished Panneerselvam camp, meanwhile, has continued to fight on and promised to raise the issue with the governor of the state.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


AIADMK's KC Palaniswami won the trust vote on Saturday, but rivals DMK argue the result is invalid as the process took place twice

The game of thrones saga in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu continues to rumble on as the opposition party told a high court that the trust vote conducted to choose the next chief minister was unconstitutional. DMK has argued that the trust vote is invalid because the trust vote was introduced twice in the house. Tamil Nadu has been a cesspool of ugly politics in recent days as the ruling AIADMK party was riven by infighting over the next political head of the state. But the bedlam that ensued in the state assembly on Saturday (February 18) -- the day of the trust vote -- capped off a week of tumult in Tamil politics. KC Palaniswami, who is close to the now-jailed party chief VK Sasikala, won the trust vote by winning support of 122 lawmakers. On the day of the confidence vote, the DMK asked the speaker to conduct the process via a secret ballot, arguing this would reveal deep divisions in the ruling party. But when their plea was turned down, the DMK led a vociferous protest in the house and were caught on camera heckling the speaker, forcing the assembly to be adjourned multiple times. The trust vote took place once all the DMK-affiliated lawmakers were barred from entering the house. The DMK since has viewed the trust vote as being illegal. The political bomb started ticking in Tamil Nadu when the then chief minister O Panneerselvam stepped down from his post, which was initially viewed by the commentariat as him paving the way for AIADMK chief Sasikala. But 48 hours later, the situation spiralled out of control when Panneerselvam said he was forced to resign by party members. Soon, the AIADMK was split in the middle: one faction backing Sasikala and the other Panneerselvam. But days later, India's highest court scythed Sasikala's bid to become the next chief minister as she was convicted for four years on corruption charges. But before Sasikala was jailed, she anointed Palaniswami to be fight in her place. The vanquished Panneerselvam camp, meanwhile, has continued to fight on and promised to raise the issue with the governor of the state. (WION)

Tamil Nadu's opposition party moves court over legality of stormy trust vote

<p>By G Jagannath&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amidst the eviction of all 88 DMK MLAs who had gone on the rampage demanding a secret ballot, the Edappadi K Palaniswami government won the trust Saturday with 122 MLAs supporting it and 11 rebel MLAs led by O Panneerselvam voting against it.</p>

<p>History repeated itself in the Tamil Nadu Assembly when the DMK MLAs indulged in violence during the confidence motion, like in the 1988 trust vote of the VN Janaki government. Palaniswami won the confidence vote in which only the two warring factions of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala and former chief minister O Panneerselvam participated after the eviction of all 88 DMK MLAs and a walkout by its ally Congress (8 MLAs) and IUML (1 MLA).</p>

<p>After alleging that he was manhandled in the Assembly by marshals, Leader of the Opposition and DMK working president MK Stalin, who came out of the House with a torn shirt, complained to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao about the incidents in the Assembly and urged him to order a fresh floor test.</p>

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<h5>Any move to disqualify the nine rebel MLAs (Panneerselvam and Pandiarajan were expelled from the party) will be challenged in the court,&#39; said a political observer</h5>
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<p>Later, he protested by sitting in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Marina beach along with his MLAs and party cadres. Police detained him and other MLAs but there are reports of stone pelting on buses and road blocks across the state.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at late Jayalalithaa&#39;s memorial after winning the trust vote, Palaniswami said that Chinnamma&#39;s (Sasikala) vow has come true with his governing winning the confidence vote. &quot;The media have captured the atrocities committed by the DMK in the Assembly. They came planned to stall the confidence vote. However, they failed,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The House, which started at 11 am, was adjourned twice after DMK members created a ruckus, seeking secret voting. After the House met, Stalin, Panneerselvam and Congress floor leader KR Ramasamy demanded a secret ballot or an adjournment saying most MLAs were not in a free position to cast their votes. When the Speaker rejected their demand saying he would go for a division vote, infuriated DMK members rushed to the well of the House and gheraoed the Speaker. It soon turned violent with some MLAs breaking the Speaker&#39;s table and microphone. They also broke the Assembly secretary&#39;s chair and table and threw out the Assembly rule book.</p>

<p>Some members were seen standing in their chair, raising slogans. Even as some DMK MLAs tried to pull the Speaker, the marshals rescued him. Stalin and his deputy Duraimurugan remained a mute spectator to the violence unleashed by their party legislators.</p>

<p>When the Assembly met again at 1 pm, the Speaker expressed anguish over the humiliation he faced at the hands of DMK members. &quot;My shirt was torn by them,&quot; he said showing it to the members. However, Stalin expressed regret for it. Even as the Speaker asked Palaniswami to move the trust motion, DMK members were on their feet again and rushed to the well of the House. Dhanapal immediately ordered the eviction of all DMK MLAs and adjourned the House till 3 pm for the second time.</p>

<p>But DMK members were in no mood to leave the House as they staged a sit-in protest. The marshals had a tough time removing the protesting DMK members as they resisted. Each member, including Stalin, was forcefully taken out by the marshals.</p>

<p>When the House meet again after the second adjournment, it passed the confidence motion in division vote in the absence of DMK, Congress and IUML. After declaring that the government won the confidence vote with 122 votes, the Speaker said that even if the DMK members and other opposition parties took part in the voting, the government would have won the majority.</p>

<p>On the government winning the trust motion, Panneerselvam said that they have now passed the resolution saying the government has won the vote of confidence. &quot;Now people will judge them. When these MLAs go to the people, the voters will certainly question them. We will win the people&#39;s support to reinstall Amma&#39;s (Jayalalithaa) government,&quot; he told reporters.</p>

<p>Former school education minister K Pandiarajan, who is in the OPS camp, said: &quot;Had there been a secret ballot, MLAs would have voted against Palaniswami. We may have lost the battle but the war has just begun.&quot; On Saturday morning, the OPS faction appointed a senior leader and MLA S Semmalai as the party whip. &quot;Any move to disqualify the nine rebel MLAs (Panneerselvam and Pandiarajan were expelled from the party) will be challenged in the court. Moreover, the Sasikala camp will not risk by-election at this point of time considering the negative sentiment against it,&quot; said a political observer.</p>

<p>(This report firs appeared in DNA)</p>


'We may have lost the battle but the war has just begun,' said former education minister K Pandiarajan

By G Jagannath Amidst the eviction of all 88 DMK MLAs who had gone on the rampage demanding a secret ballot, the Edappadi K Palaniswami government won the trust Saturday with 122 MLAs supporting it and 11 rebel MLAs led by O Panneerselvam voting against it. History repeated itself in the Tamil Nadu Assembly when the DMK MLAs indulged in violence during the confidence motion, like in the 1988 trust vote of the VN Janaki government. Palaniswami won the confidence vote in which only the two warring factions of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala and former chief minister O Panneerselvam participated after the eviction of all 88 DMK MLAs and a walkout by its ally Congress (8 MLAs) and IUML (1 MLA). After alleging that he was manhandled in the Assembly by marshals, Leader of the Opposition and DMK working president MK Stalin, who came out of the House with a torn shirt, complained to Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao about the incidents in the Assembly and urged him to order a fresh floor test. Any move to disqualify the nine rebel MLAs (Panneerselvam and Pandiarajan were expelled from the party) will be challenged in the court,' said a political observer × Later, he protested by sitting in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Marina beach along with his MLAs and party cadres. Police detained him and other MLAs but there are reports of stone pelting on buses and road blocks across the state. Speaking to reporters at late Jayalalithaa's memorial after winning the trust vote, Palaniswami said that Chinnamma's (Sasikala) vow has come true with his governing winning the confidence vote. "The media have captured the atrocities committed by the DMK in the Assembly. They came planned to stall the confidence vote. However, they failed," he said. The House, which started at 11 am, was adjourned twice after DMK members created a ruckus, seeking secret voting. After the House met, Stalin, Panneerselvam and Congress floor leader KR Ramasamy demanded a secret ballot or an adjournment saying most MLAs were not in a free position to cast their votes. When the Speaker rejected their demand saying he would go for a division vote, infuriated DMK members rushed to the well of the House and gheraoed the Speaker. It soon turned violent with some MLAs breaking the Speaker's table and microphone. They also broke the Assembly secretary's chair and table and threw out the Assembly rule book. Some members were seen standing in their chair, raising slogans. Even as some DMK MLAs tried to pull the Speaker, the marshals rescued him. Stalin and his deputy Duraimurugan remained a mute spectator to the violence unleashed by their party legislators. When the Assembly met again at 1 pm, the Speaker expressed anguish over the humiliation he faced at the hands of DMK members. "My shirt was torn by them," he said showing it to the members. However, Stalin expressed regret for it. Even as the Speaker asked Palaniswami to move the trust motion, DMK members were on their feet again and rushed to the well of the House. Dhanapal immediately ordered the eviction of all DMK MLAs and adjourned the House till 3 pm for the second time. But DMK members were in no mood to leave the House as they staged a sit-in protest. The marshals had a tough time removing the protesting DMK members as they resisted. Each member, including Stalin, was forcefully taken out by the marshals. When the House meet again after the second adjournment, it passed the confidence motion in division vote in the absence of DMK, Congress and IUML. After declaring that the government won the confidence vote with 122 votes, the Speaker said that even if the DMK members and other opposition parties took part in the voting, the government would have won the majority. On the government winning the trust motion, Panneerselvam said that they have now passed the resolution saying the government has won the vote of confidence. "Now people will judge them. When these MLAs go to the people, the voters will certainly question them. We will win the people's support to reinstall Amma's (Jayalalithaa) government," he told reporters. Former school education minister K Pandiarajan, who is in the OPS camp, said: "Had there been a secret ballot, MLAs would have voted against Palaniswami. We may have lost the battle but the war has just begun." On Saturday morning, the OPS faction appointed a senior leader and MLA S Semmalai as the party whip. "Any move to disqualify the nine rebel MLAs (Panneerselvam and Pandiarajan were expelled from the party) will be challenged in the court. Moreover, the Sasikala camp will not risk by-election at this point of time considering the negative sentiment against it," said a political observer. (This report firs appeared in DNA)

Tamil Nadu: After Palaniswami wins trust vote, Panneerselvam camp says fight still on

<p>Newly-appointed chief minister E Palaniswami on Saturday won the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with 122 MLAs voting in favour of his AIADMK government and 11 from the rival O Panneerselvam camp against.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition DMK members, who had earlier declared they would vote against the chief minister, were&nbsp;evicted from the house after creating ruckus and manhandling the speaker of the house. The&nbsp;Congress and IUML (Indian Union Muslim League), also opposition parties,&nbsp;walked out in protest before the crucial voting took place.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> DMK MLAs scuffle with TN Assembly speaker, protesting DMK MLA Ku Ka Selvam sat on speaker chair <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/floortest?src=hash">#floortest</a> (Jaya TV) <a href="https://t.co/CkMQY9FfQx">pic.twitter.com/CkMQY9FfQx</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/832859058105413632">February 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Palaniswami, a Sasikala loyalist, needed&nbsp;to prove that&nbsp;117 of the Assembly&#39;s 234 lawmakers backed him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The effective strength of the house was&nbsp;reduced to 134 once the DMK&#39;s 88 members were evicted and the Congress&#39; 8 members also walked out. This lowered the number of votes that Palaniswami needed to win a majority.</p>

<p>DMK leader Stalin, who protested at Marina Beach after the vote, was detained by the police along with other legislators of the DMK.</p>

<p>Stalin said he had written a letter to the Governor, stating it was &quot;unconstitutional&quot; of the Speaker to conduct a trust vote in the absence of members of the Opposition.</p>

<p>&quot;Request Tamil Nadu Governor to restore democratic values and order Assembly postponement for conducting secret voting on the Confidence Motion,&quot; MK Stalin said in the letter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earlier visuals of DMK&#39;s protest at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach. DMK Working President MK Stalin &amp; other party leaders still in Police detention. <a href="https://t.co/5ZALGvo3vk">pic.twitter.com/5ZALGvo3vk</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/832926187995422720">February 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stalin earlier met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao immediately after the trust vote.&nbsp;DMK workers protested outside the Governor&#39;s House alleging that their party&#39;s legialators were forcibly evicted from the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Panneerselvam camp, meanewhile,&nbsp;claimed that the outcome would have been different&nbsp;had the DMK members not been evicted and voting been done by&nbsp;secret ballot.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;DMK MLAs for three hours kept on repeating their request to save democracy, now in absence of all of us, vote was passed. We doubt its validity,&quot; Panneerselvam alleged.<br />
<br />
&quot;We had kept kept two demands before speaker, one was to send MLAs to their constituencies, but Speaker didn&#39;t agree to them&quot;.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam&nbsp;sympathised with the DMK MLAs who were forcibly evicted from the Assembly.</p>

<p>&quot;It is against democracy and the resolution was passed after they were evicted from the Assembly.&quot;</p>

<p>Asked about the appointment of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala&#39;s family members to top party posts, Pannerselvam said, &quot;If Jayalalihaa was alive, she would have continued to ensure that they did not have any access to the party.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;There were constant threats. Abusive language was used. Things would&#39;ve been different if secret ballot was done,&quot; said K Pandiarajan, former school education minister, who crossed over to the Panneerselvam camp.<br />
<br />
The Assembly was to vote at 11 am but the house was suspended twice on Saturday. The Opposition MLAs were expelled from the house by the speaker, who in turn had been manhandled by opposition lawmakers earlier after he turned down their demand for a secret ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the opposition ripped papers, toppled tables and threw microphones to demand a secret ballot that would potentially allow legislators from the ruling AIADMK&nbsp;party to switch sides.</p>

<p>Television footage showed legislators storming the well of the house and manhandling each other, injuring at least one member who was carried out on a stretcher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The speaker, who was whisked away to safety by marshals, ordered the eviction of disruptive legislators.</p>

<p>Popular South star Kamal Haasan slammed legislators for their unruly behaviour on Twitter.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There you go. Seems like we have another CM. Jai de-mockcrazy</p>
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/832891742600851456">February 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People of Tamizhnadu, Welcome your respective MLAs with the respect they desrve back home</p>
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/832893053362851841">February 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palaniswami and AIADMK legislators paid tribute to Jayalalithaa at her memorial in Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach soon after winning the vote of confidence.</p>

<p>Palaniswami&nbsp;was sworn-in as the chief minister on Thursday (February 16). The governor had given him 15 days to prove his majority in the house.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Rebel former chief minister O Panneerselvam, who had claimed the support of 11 MLAs, had also staked claim to form the government in a meeting with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu was plunged into political crisis two months after&nbsp;Jayalalithaa&#39;s sudden death.</p>

<p>Her close aide Sasikala -- a one-time video cassette seller who has never held political office or stood for election -- emerged as the heir apparent until&nbsp;she was convicted on Tuesday for&nbsp;amassing illegal assets worth $10 million, barring her from holding office for a decade.</p>

<p>The corruption case dates back to the late 1990s, when Jayalalithaa and Sasikala were accused of profiting from the chief minister&#39;s office and acquiring wealth beyond their income.</p>

<p>Sasikala had earlier kept several dozen legislators in a resort outside Chennai over fears her opponents&#39; camp might try to poach them in the battle for succession.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<center><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWIONews%2Fvideos%2F600151710195468%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></center>

<p><br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from ANI, AFP)</p>


122 lawmakers voted in the AIADMK's favour. The voting took place in the absence of DMK legislators who were evicted for unruly behaviour

Newly-appointed chief minister E Palaniswami on Saturday won the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with 122 MLAs voting in favour of his AIADMK government and 11 from the rival O Panneerselvam camp against. Opposition DMK members, who had earlier declared they would vote against the chief minister, were evicted from the house after creating ruckus and manhandling the speaker of the house. The Congress and IUML (Indian Union Muslim League), also opposition parties, walked out in protest before the crucial voting took place. #WATCH DMK MLAs scuffle with TN Assembly speaker, protesting DMK MLA Ku Ka Selvam sat on speaker chair #floortest (Jaya TV) pic.twitter.com/CkMQY9FfQx — ANI (@ANI_news) February 18, 2017 × Earlier, Palaniswami, a Sasikala loyalist, needed to prove that 117 of the Assembly's 234 lawmakers backed him. The effective strength of the house was reduced to 134 once the DMK's 88 members were evicted and the Congress' 8 members also walked out. This lowered the number of votes that Palaniswami needed to win a majority. DMK leader Stalin, who protested at Marina Beach after the vote, was detained by the police along with other legislators of the DMK. Stalin said he had written a letter to the Governor, stating it was "unconstitutional" of the Speaker to conduct a trust vote in the absence of members of the Opposition. "Request Tamil Nadu Governor to restore democratic values and order Assembly postponement for conducting secret voting on the Confidence Motion," MK Stalin said in the letter. Earlier visuals of DMK's protest at Chennai's Marina Beach. DMK Working President MK Stalin & other party leaders still in Police detention. pic.twitter.com/5ZALGvo3vk — ANI (@ANI_news) February 18, 2017 × Stalin earlier met Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao immediately after the trust vote. DMK workers protested outside the Governor's House alleging that their party's legialators were forcibly evicted from the house. The Panneerselvam camp, meanewhile, claimed that the outcome would have been different had the DMK members not been evicted and voting been done by secret ballot. "DMK MLAs for three hours kept on repeating their request to save democracy, now in absence of all of us, vote was passed. We doubt its validity," Panneerselvam alleged. "We had kept kept two demands before speaker, one was to send MLAs to their constituencies, but Speaker didn't agree to them". Panneerselvam sympathised with the DMK MLAs who were forcibly evicted from the Assembly. "It is against democracy and the resolution was passed after they were evicted from the Assembly." Asked about the appointment of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala's family members to top party posts, Pannerselvam said, "If Jayalalihaa was alive, she would have continued to ensure that they did not have any access to the party." "There were constant threats. Abusive language was used. Things would've been different if secret ballot was done," said K Pandiarajan, former school education minister, who crossed over to the Panneerselvam camp. The Assembly was to vote at 11 am but the house was suspended twice on Saturday. The Opposition MLAs were expelled from the house by the speaker, who in turn had been manhandled by opposition lawmakers earlier after he turned down their demand for a secret ballot. Members of the opposition ripped papers, toppled tables and threw microphones to demand a secret ballot that would potentially allow legislators from the ruling AIADMK party to switch sides. Television footage showed legislators storming the well of the house and manhandling each other, injuring at least one member who was carried out on a stretcher. The speaker, who was whisked away to safety by marshals, ordered the eviction of disruptive legislators. Popular South star Kamal Haasan slammed legislators for their unruly behaviour on Twitter. There you go. Seems like we have another CM. Jai de-mockcrazy — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 18, 2017 × People of Tamizhnadu, Welcome your respective MLAs with the respect they desrve back home — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 18, 2017 × Palaniswami and AIADMK legislators paid tribute to Jayalalithaa at her memorial in Chennai's Marina Beach soon after winning the vote of confidence. Palaniswami was sworn-in as the chief minister on Thursday (February 16). The governor had given him 15 days to prove his majority in the house. Rebel former chief minister O Panneerselvam, who had claimed the support of 11 MLAs, had also staked claim to form the government in a meeting with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao earlier this week. Tamil Nadu was plunged into political crisis two months after Jayalalithaa's sudden death. Her close aide Sasikala -- a one-time video cassette seller who has never held political office or stood for election -- emerged as the heir apparent until she was convicted on Tuesday for amassing illegal assets worth $10 million, barring her from holding office for a decade. The corruption case dates back to the late 1990s, when Jayalalithaa and Sasikala were accused of profiting from the chief minister's office and acquiring wealth beyond their income. Sasikala had earlier kept several dozen legislators in a resort outside Chennai over fears her opponents' camp might try to poach them in the battle for succession. Watch: (WION with inputs from ANI, AFP)

India: Tamil Nadu chief minister Palaniswami wins floor test amid bedlam

<p>Tamil Nadu&#39;s opposition party, the DMK, will vote against chief minister E Palaniswami&#39;s government in tomorrow&#39;s (February 17) trust vote, the party&#39;s working president MK Stalin said.</p>

<p>Edappadi K Palaniswami, a loyalist of AIADMK general secretary Sasikala,&nbsp;was&nbsp;sworn-in as chief minister on Thursday. He will seek a trust vote tomorrow in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.</p>

<p>&quot;To express our opposition to the AIADMK government, we will vote against the Palaniswami government in the motion of confidence that will be taken up tomorrow,&quot; Stalin said.</p>

<p>He blamed the ruling AIADMK for its &quot;failure&quot; on several fronts, including the &quot;deteriorating law and order situation.&quot;</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu Congress said they would take decision based on the &quot;advice&quot; of the high command.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Su Thirunavukkarasar said he expected the feedback of the top leadership &quot;soon&quot;.</p>

<p>Palaniswami needs the support of 118 of the Assembly&#39;s 234 legislators or MLAs to win the trust vote.</p>

<p>He currently has the backing of 124 of the AIADMK&#39;s 134 legislators, 10 of whom back O Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>The DMK has a strength of 89, Congress eight, IUML one and one seat is vacant.<br />
<br />
Palanisamy was appointed as the legislative head of the AIADMK by Sasikala after she was convicted in the disproportionate assets case by the top court on February 14.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao subsequently called upon him to form government in the state.</p>

<p>Sasikala was&nbsp;elected the legislative&nbsp;party leader by the AIADMK on February 5 to enable her become chief minister. In a dramatic twist,&nbsp;Panneerselvam, who was appointed chief minister after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death in December,&nbsp;revolted against Sasikala&nbsp;on February 7, alleging he was forced to step down to make way for her elevation as chief minister.</p>

<p>Sasikala removed O Panneerselvam from the party&#39;s primary membership in the wake of his revolt against her and on the day of the announcement of the verdict by the top court.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Election Commission today issued a notice to Sasikala on a petition filed by AIADMK leader V Maitreyan -- of the Panneerselvam camp --&nbsp;challenging her nomination as general secretary of the party.</p>

<p>She has been asked to reply by February 28.</p>

<p>The Panneerselvam&#39;s camp today &quot;removed&quot; Sasikala and her two relatives from the party for &quot;going against its principles and ideals&quot;.</p>

<p>In a statement, E Madusudanan, who was earlier removed as presidium chairman by Sasikala, said she had &quot;violated&quot; her promise to&nbsp;Jayalalithaa that she would not enter politics and that she had no inclination to be a part of the party or government.</p>

<p>Madusudanan also announced the &quot;expulsion&quot; of Sasikala&#39;s nephew and AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and S Venkatesh, both relatives of Sasikala, from the party.</p>

<p>He said Jayalalithaa had expelled them from the party in 2011 for &quot;betraying&quot; her.<br />
<br />
&quot;VK Sasikala is being removed from the party&#39;s primary membership for going against the party principles and ideals, and having violated her promise to Amma (Jayalalithaa), besides facing criminal cases. She has brought disrepute to the party,&quot; he said in a statement.</p>

<p>&quot;Their re-induction, done without any authority, is being cancelled,&quot; he said.The two were allowed to join AIADMK on Wednesday by Sasikala, after six years of expulsion by her predecessor Jayalalithaa.<br />
<br />
Madusudanan, who had joined the Pannneerselvam camp last week, had been replaced with KA Sengottaiyan as the presidium chairman by Sasikala, a move rejected by the Panneerselvam camp.</p>

<p>He was also removed from the party&#39;s primary membership but insisted Sasikala had no authority to do so.</p>

<p>In a separate statement, Madusudanan announced the &quot;expulsion&quot; of chief minister&nbsp;Palaniswami, party&#39;s propaganda secretary and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, Rajya Sabha MP A Navaneethakrishnan and state ministers C Srinivasan, P Thangamani, C Ve Shanmugam, K Raju and R B Uthayakumar, among others.</p>

<p>The chief minister and 12 others were &quot;expelled&quot; for bringing &quot;disrepute&quot; to the party by going against its ideals and principles, he said.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


DMK's working president MK Stalin blamed the ruling AIADMK for its 'failure' on several fronts

Tamil Nadu's opposition party, the DMK, will vote against chief minister E Palaniswami's government in tomorrow's (February 17) trust vote, the party's working president MK Stalin said. Edappadi K Palaniswami, a loyalist of AIADMK general secretary Sasikala, was sworn-in as chief minister on Thursday. He will seek a trust vote tomorrow in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. "To express our opposition to the AIADMK government, we will vote against the Palaniswami government in the motion of confidence that will be taken up tomorrow," Stalin said. He blamed the ruling AIADMK for its "failure" on several fronts, including the "deteriorating law and order situation." The Tamil Nadu Congress said they would take decision based on the "advice" of the high command. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Su Thirunavukkarasar said he expected the feedback of the top leadership "soon". Palaniswami needs the support of 118 of the Assembly's 234 legislators or MLAs to win the trust vote. He currently has the backing of 124 of the AIADMK's 134 legislators, 10 of whom back O Panneerselvam. The DMK has a strength of 89, Congress eight, IUML one and one seat is vacant. Palanisamy was appointed as the legislative head of the AIADMK by Sasikala after she was convicted in the disproportionate assets case by the top court on February 14. Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao subsequently called upon him to form government in the state. Sasikala was elected the legislative party leader by the AIADMK on February 5 to enable her become chief minister. In a dramatic twist, Panneerselvam, who was appointed chief minister after Jayalalithaa's death in December, revolted against Sasikala on February 7, alleging he was forced to step down to make way for her elevation as chief minister. Sasikala removed O Panneerselvam from the party's primary membership in the wake of his revolt against her and on the day of the announcement of the verdict by the top court. Meanwhile, the Election Commission today issued a notice to Sasikala on a petition filed by AIADMK leader V Maitreyan -- of the Panneerselvam camp -- challenging her nomination as general secretary of the party. She has been asked to reply by February 28. The Panneerselvam's camp today "removed" Sasikala and her two relatives from the party for "going against its principles and ideals". In a statement, E Madusudanan, who was earlier removed as presidium chairman by Sasikala, said she had "violated" her promise to Jayalalithaa that she would not enter politics and that she had no inclination to be a part of the party or government. Madusudanan also announced the "expulsion" of Sasikala's nephew and AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and S Venkatesh, both relatives of Sasikala, from the party. He said Jayalalithaa had expelled them from the party in 2011 for "betraying" her. "VK Sasikala is being removed from the party's primary membership for going against the party principles and ideals, and having violated her promise to Amma (Jayalalithaa), besides facing criminal cases. She has brought disrepute to the party," he said in a statement. "Their re-induction, done without any authority, is being cancelled," he said.The two were allowed to join AIADMK on Wednesday by Sasikala, after six years of expulsion by her predecessor Jayalalithaa. Madusudanan, who had joined the Pannneerselvam camp last week, had been replaced with KA Sengottaiyan as the presidium chairman by Sasikala, a move rejected by the Panneerselvam camp. He was also removed from the party's primary membership but insisted Sasikala had no authority to do so. In a separate statement, Madusudanan announced the "expulsion" of chief minister Palaniswami, party's propaganda secretary and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, Rajya Sabha MP A Navaneethakrishnan and state ministers C Srinivasan, P Thangamani, C Ve Shanmugam, K Raju and R B Uthayakumar, among others. The chief minister and 12 others were "expelled" for bringing "disrepute" to the party by going against its ideals and principles, he said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

DMK to vote against new Tamil Nadu chief minister in trust vote

<p>Ending the deadlock, the&nbsp;governor of the Indian state of Tamail Nadu, &nbsp;C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday invited AIADMK Legislative Party leader Edapaddi K Palanisamy to form the government. The governor has asked him to seek vote of confidence in 15 days.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-palanisamy-12432">Palanisamy</a>, on Wednesday met the governor with his camp claiming support of 124 of the party&#39;s 134 MLAs. Tamil Nadu has a 234-member legislative assembly.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam gave a representation to the governor claiming &quot;majority&quot;&nbsp;support and seeking an opportunity to demonstrate it. The Panneerselvam camp has alleged AIADMK MLAs were held at a resort on Chennai&#39;s outskirts against their wish.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who was among those who accompanied Palanisamy (in photo), claimed the group has the support of 124 MLAs. (ANI)</p>
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<p>The governor had earlier kept his decision pending as the verdict in the disproportionate assets case against AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala, a claimant for chief ministership, was due to be announced by the Supreme Court, which delivered it on Tuesday, restoring her conviction and sentence, which shattered her hopes of occupying the top seat.</p>

<p>While O Panneerselvam has managed to win over 10 odd MPs and some MLAs, Sasikala has been able to rally the support of an overwhelming majority of AIADMK MLAs.</p>

<p>Before she began serving the remaining&nbsp;three years, 10 months and 27 days sentence in a Karnataka prison this evening, in a surprise move, Sasikala reinducted her close relatives T T V Dinkaran and S Venkatesh into the party, five years after their expulsion by AIADMK supremo and the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew and former Rajya Sabha member, the deputy general secretary of AIADMK, a move seen by many as an attempt to hand over the party&#39;s control to him till her return from jail.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


Palanisamy had met the governor on Wednesday with his camp claiming support of 124 of the party's 134 MLAs

Ending the deadlock, the governor of the Indian state of Tamail Nadu, C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday invited AIADMK Legislative Party leader Edapaddi K Palanisamy to form the government. The governor has asked him to seek vote of confidence in 15 days. Palanisamy, on Wednesday met the governor with his camp claiming support of 124 of the party's 134 MLAs. Tamil Nadu has a 234-member legislative assembly. Panneerselvam gave a representation to the governor claiming "majority" support and seeking an opportunity to demonstrate it. The Panneerselvam camp has alleged AIADMK MLAs were held at a resort on Chennai's outskirts against their wish. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who was among those who accompanied Palanisamy (in photo), claimed the group has the support of 124 MLAs. (ANI) × The governor had earlier kept his decision pending as the verdict in the disproportionate assets case against AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala, a claimant for chief ministership, was due to be announced by the Supreme Court, which delivered it on Tuesday, restoring her conviction and sentence, which shattered her hopes of occupying the top seat. While O Panneerselvam has managed to win over 10 odd MPs and some MLAs, Sasikala has been able to rally the support of an overwhelming majority of AIADMK MLAs. Before she began serving the remaining three years, 10 months and 27 days sentence in a Karnataka prison this evening, in a surprise move, Sasikala reinducted her close relatives T T V Dinkaran and S Venkatesh into the party, five years after their expulsion by AIADMK supremo and the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew and former Rajya Sabha member, the deputy general secretary of AIADMK, a move seen by many as an attempt to hand over the party's control to him till her return from jail. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: E Palanisamy to be sworn-in as Tamil Nadu chief minister, will seek vote of confidence in 15 days

<p>G Jagannath</p>

<p>With the two warring factions of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu&#39;s ruling AIADMK party, headed by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, refusing to blink, all eyes are on governor Vidyasagar Rao&#39;s next move.</p>

<p>Edapaddi K Palanisamy, who was elected as the legislature party leader by Sasikala loyalists, called on the governor again on Wednesday, staking his claim to form the government. Immediately after he left, Panneerselvam reached the Raj Bhavan with his supporters.</p>

<p>After the meeting with the governor, fisheries minister D Jayakumar of Sasikala camp said Palanisamy had the support of 125 MLAs. &quot;We are hoping that the governor will call us to form the government at the earliest. We have given him a list of 125 MLAs supporting him. We hope the governor uphold the democracy and the Constitution,&quot; he told reporters after meeting the governor.</p>

<p>However, Panneerselvam, who met the governor later, did not meet the press. Later, he along with his supporters held a closed-door meeting in his house. Panneerselvam, who has been offered support by only 10 MLAs so far, has been insisting that he would prove his majority on the floor of the House.</p>

<p>There has been no official word from Rao, who, on Monday, was advised by attorney general Mukul Rohatgi to convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly within a week for holding a composite floor test.</p>

<p>The governor had kept his decision pending as the verdict in the disproportionate assets (DA) case against Sasikala, a claimant for chief ministership, was due to be announced by the Supreme Court, which delivered it on Tuesday, restoring her conviction and sentence, which shattered her hopes of occupying the top seat.</p>

<p>Even after the Sasikala&#39;s conviction, her camp still remains united with the majority of the MLAs with them. Though Panneerselvam camp continued to allege that the MLAs were being held captive in the Golden Bay Resort in Koovathur near Mahabalipuram, the Sasikala camp MLAs and minister continued to brief the press, denying the charges.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Koovathur police registered a case against Sasikala and her supporters on charges of kidnapping and illegally confining party MLAs at a resort following a complaint filed by Madurai South MLA Saravanan, who escaped from the resort to join the OPS camp.</p>

<p>Following the legislator&#39;s complaint, Northern region IG Senthamarai Kanan and Kancheepuram district SP J Mutharasi entered the resort and began inquiries with the MLAs who denied the charges.</p>

<p>Ahead of leaving for Bangalore to surrender before the court following the Supreme Court verdict in the wealth case, Sasikala on Wednesday reinducted her close relatives TTV Dinkaran and S Venkatesh into the party, five years after their expulsion by late Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew and former Rajya Sabha member, the deputy general secretary of AIADMK, a move seen by many as an attempt to hand over the party&#39;s control to him till her return from jail.</p>

<p>His appointment prompted V Karuppasamy Pandian, a senior AIADMK leader to resign as the party&#39;s organisation secretary. An angry Pandian went to the extent of questioning Sasikala&#39;s authority of reinducting people expelled by Jayalalithaa, and asking if AIADMK was her &quot;family property&quot;.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


Edapaddi K Palanisamy had called on the governor again on Wednesday, staking his claim to form the government

G Jagannath With the two warring factions of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK party, headed by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, refusing to blink, all eyes are on governor Vidyasagar Rao's next move. Edapaddi K Palanisamy, who was elected as the legislature party leader by Sasikala loyalists, called on the governor again on Wednesday, staking his claim to form the government. Immediately after he left, Panneerselvam reached the Raj Bhavan with his supporters. After the meeting with the governor, fisheries minister D Jayakumar of Sasikala camp said Palanisamy had the support of 125 MLAs. "We are hoping that the governor will call us to form the government at the earliest. We have given him a list of 125 MLAs supporting him. We hope the governor uphold the democracy and the Constitution," he told reporters after meeting the governor. However, Panneerselvam, who met the governor later, did not meet the press. Later, he along with his supporters held a closed-door meeting in his house. Panneerselvam, who has been offered support by only 10 MLAs so far, has been insisting that he would prove his majority on the floor of the House. There has been no official word from Rao, who, on Monday, was advised by attorney general Mukul Rohatgi to convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly within a week for holding a composite floor test. The governor had kept his decision pending as the verdict in the disproportionate assets (DA) case against Sasikala, a claimant for chief ministership, was due to be announced by the Supreme Court, which delivered it on Tuesday, restoring her conviction and sentence, which shattered her hopes of occupying the top seat. Even after the Sasikala's conviction, her camp still remains united with the majority of the MLAs with them. Though Panneerselvam camp continued to allege that the MLAs were being held captive in the Golden Bay Resort in Koovathur near Mahabalipuram, the Sasikala camp MLAs and minister continued to brief the press, denying the charges. On Wednesday, Koovathur police registered a case against Sasikala and her supporters on charges of kidnapping and illegally confining party MLAs at a resort following a complaint filed by Madurai South MLA Saravanan, who escaped from the resort to join the OPS camp. Following the legislator's complaint, Northern region IG Senthamarai Kanan and Kancheepuram district SP J Mutharasi entered the resort and began inquiries with the MLAs who denied the charges. Ahead of leaving for Bangalore to surrender before the court following the Supreme Court verdict in the wealth case, Sasikala on Wednesday reinducted her close relatives TTV Dinkaran and S Venkatesh into the party, five years after their expulsion by late Jayalalithaa. Sasikala appointed Dinakaran, her nephew and former Rajya Sabha member, the deputy general secretary of AIADMK, a move seen by many as an attempt to hand over the party's control to him till her return from jail. His appointment prompted V Karuppasamy Pandian, a senior AIADMK leader to resign as the party's organisation secretary. An angry Pandian went to the extent of questioning Sasikala's authority of reinducting people expelled by Jayalalithaa, and asking if AIADMK was her "family property". (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Warring AIADMK factions refuse to back out, all eyes  on governor

<p>The Supreme Court of India has convicted V.K. Sasiskala, Ilavarasi and V.N. Sudhakaran in the Disproportionate Assets case. In doing so, it has reaffirmed our confidence in the judiciary.</p>

<p>The conviction has come with a high-voltage political drama in Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;The drama for so long&nbsp;was being played out between the AIADMK&rsquo;s O. Panneerselvam and Sasikala. To&nbsp;capture&nbsp;power and the allegiance of the party, the former has proclaimed his devotion to the late Amma while the latter has built her claim over her long association with the late leader and as a natural heir to her legacy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war of succession in the AIADMK is not new. The current drama and the conviction show how hollow the Dravidian party&rsquo;s claim&nbsp;is of being radical, rational and as an upholder of social justice.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu has been India&rsquo;s trendsetter in politicking since the 1960s. This was an absurd reduction from early 1900, when the region saw a movement of self-respect based on a &quot;radical&quot; and &quot;rational&quot; agenda that&nbsp;aimed&nbsp;to achieve transformative sociopolitical changes in the polity. This contrasted sharply with the prevailing politics in North India, which was dominated by pan-Indian nationalism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the late 1950s, new trends were set in motion for political mobilisation and for capturing power, which opened up opportunities and political positions for persons coming&nbsp;from humble socio-economic background.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To promote its ideology, the Dravidian party made use of mass media and leaned heavily on personalities from diverse mass media, including heroes and heroines who ruled the box office, script writers, film producers and cinema halls owners. These agencies established a new kind of political culture in the state, which had spread to some extent to other regions in the south, except Kerala.</p>

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<h5>Political crises and instability are good for Dalits assertion in Tamil Nadu politics</h5>
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<p>Tamil Nadu is a showcase for how historical assertion of intermediary caste identities are articulated to corner the benefits from the state &ndash; both colonial and post-colonial. Thus, different caste groups mediate between society and state. While at one level, caste groups claim socio-economic backwardness to seek state intervention &ndash; particularly caste-centric reservation &ndash; at another level, they claim socio-cultural superiority to hold on to structural status. This has been&nbsp;brought out starkly in the overt and explicit assertions of caste superiority and anti-Dalit behavior.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hence, one has to understand that the qualitative difference between anti-Brahmin politics as against anti-caste politics remains only at the level of rhetoric. The manner in which Dalit aspirations are trampled by the ruling class/castes in the state and the widespread prevalence of untouchability and caste violence are a testimony to this fact.</p>

<p>Here, Dravidian politics replicates and enforces caste-centered supremacism across the microstructure (civil society, educational institutions, media) and macrostructure (state, industries and others). A system of (un)earned privilege that was developed and is maintained through a coded assertion of caste-centered supremacist beliefs and practices encompasses many structures. &nbsp;In this milieu, one is required to engage with the intersectionality of caste, class, gender, religion etc. Thus, the intermediate castes, particularly in southern India, made a headway to replace/ displace Brahmins in structures of power.</p>

<p>Political crises and instability are good for Dalits assertion in Tamil Nadu politics. In the state, neither the Dalits nor the other marginalised groups have been able to utilise the situation in their favour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Dravidian legacy of contemporary Tamil Nadu politics is such that even under these circumstances, a Dalit is neither considered for a puppet chief minister or as a stopgap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite a strength of 31 in the current AIADMK regime, the Dalit MLAs are nowhere in the scene. The caste configuration of AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Assembly and Cabinet: 28 MLAs of Gounder had five ministers; 20 MLAs of Thevars had 9 ministers; 19 MLAs of Vanniyar had 5 ministers; 31 MLAs belonging to others castes had 10 ministers; whereas 31 MLAs of Dalits had only 3 ministers. The numbers tell their own story.</p>

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<h5>Barring Kerala, in all the other four southern states, celluloid personalities impact politics and corruption</h5>
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<p>Political culture is embedded with certain patterns of beliefs and practices over a period of time at a particular region. Barring Kerala, in all the other four southern states, celluloid personalities impact politics and corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Corruption is the pernicious disease of any given democracy, impacting&nbsp;its governance, political economy and polity. It has been booming in the everyday materiality of people and their history despite numerous crusades against the disease across the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indeed, the pervasive impact of corruption on contemporary Tamil society is universally acknowledged. In fact, the more we devise mechanisms to arrest corruption, the more we discover unique ways in which it expands and infests many sections of the society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the late 1980s onwards, Tamils/ Indians have witnessed an unprecedented boom in corruption. It has become a part and parcel of the people&#39;s existential struggle. This could be fortunate because at least people learn about the multiple means of corruption and learn to live with it or develop the courage to resist it. It is equally unfortunate because honesty, simplicity, public morality and a sense of shame are becoming rare in contemporary times. Indeed, the pervasive effects of corruption are detrimental to the process of governance and democracy.</p>

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<h5>The cult behaviour and sycophancy of political cadres encourage the leadership to loot the public resources and amass wealth</h5>
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<p>Unfortunately, &nbsp;people&nbsp;who hail&nbsp;from a humble socio-economic background with limited skills and abilities have been unable to attract the masses to meet political ends. Therefore, they need to create a new psychology of neo-feudal culture. Such a culture relies on patronage politics,&nbsp;fueling&nbsp;sycophancy and&nbsp;personality cult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cult behaviour and sycophancy of political cadres encourage the leadership to loot the public resources and amass wealth.</p>

<p>The rule of law, public morality, and sense of shame are becoming a rarity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to maintain control over the newly accrued disproportionate assets, political leaders unscrupulously practise dynastic&nbsp;politics. They deceive and depoliticise the masses through personality cult, freebies and cinema.</p>

<p>Besides, half-baked concept of social justice and identity politics are used as a protective shield to escape corruption. Indeed social justice is reduced to mere caste-centric state intervention, or reservation, and negating dignity of labour and decent standard of living.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Ever since the late-1980s, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar have been consistently increasing their prospects by using a diverse range of issues, such as Ganesh Chaturthi, anti-conversion etc. Most recently, in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, it had new political partners such as PMK, MDMK, DMDK and a few Tamil Nationalists group in the state. While they could not gain in terms of seats, their acceptability is visibly rising. Now, with &nbsp;the demise of Jayalalithaa and the conviction of V.K Sasikala, BJP&nbsp;would certainly gain&nbsp;better scope in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MGR was able to manage the party without caste(s) dominance but&nbsp;Jayalalithaa&rsquo;s close association to Sasikala led to an explicit dominance of the Thevar caste in the party.</p>

<p>Sasikala neither has charismatic appeal nor has any direct connection with common people, therefore her removal will have no significant impact on Tamil Nadu&#39;s political future.</p>


Half-baked concepts of social justice and identity politics are used in Tamil Nadu as a protective shield to escape corruption

The Supreme Court of India has convicted V.K. Sasiskala, Ilavarasi and V.N. Sudhakaran in the Disproportionate Assets case. In doing so, it has reaffirmed our confidence in the judiciary. The conviction has come with a high-voltage political drama in Tamil Nadu. The drama for so long was being played out between the AIADMK’s O. Panneerselvam and Sasikala. To capture power and the allegiance of the party, the former has proclaimed his devotion to the late Amma while the latter has built her claim over her long association with the late leader and as a natural heir to her legacy. The war of succession in the AIADMK is not new. The current drama and the conviction show how hollow the Dravidian party’s claim is of being radical, rational and as an upholder of social justice. Tamil Nadu has been India’s trendsetter in politicking since the 1960s. This was an absurd reduction from early 1900, when the region saw a movement of self-respect based on a "radical" and "rational" agenda that aimed to achieve transformative sociopolitical changes in the polity. This contrasted sharply with the prevailing politics in North India, which was dominated by pan-Indian nationalism. In the late 1950s, new trends were set in motion for political mobilisation and for capturing power, which opened up opportunities and political positions for persons coming from humble socio-economic background. To promote its ideology, the Dravidian party made use of mass media and leaned heavily on personalities from diverse mass media, including heroes and heroines who ruled the box office, script writers, film producers and cinema halls owners. These agencies established a new kind of political culture in the state, which had spread to some extent to other regions in the south, except Kerala. Political crises and instability are good for Dalits assertion in Tamil Nadu politics × Tamil Nadu is a showcase for how historical assertion of intermediary caste identities are articulated to corner the benefits from the state – both colonial and post-colonial. Thus, different caste groups mediate between society and state. While at one level, caste groups claim socio-economic backwardness to seek state intervention – particularly caste-centric reservation – at another level, they claim socio-cultural superiority to hold on to structural status. This has been brought out starkly in the overt and explicit assertions of caste superiority and anti-Dalit behavior. Hence, one has to understand that the qualitative difference between anti-Brahmin politics as against anti-caste politics remains only at the level of rhetoric. The manner in which Dalit aspirations are trampled by the ruling class/castes in the state and the widespread prevalence of untouchability and caste violence are a testimony to this fact. Here, Dravidian politics replicates and enforces caste-centered supremacism across the microstructure (civil society, educational institutions, media) and macrostructure (state, industries and others). A system of (un)earned privilege that was developed and is maintained through a coded assertion of caste-centered supremacist beliefs and practices encompasses many structures. In this milieu, one is required to engage with the intersectionality of caste, class, gender, religion etc. Thus, the intermediate castes, particularly in southern India, made a headway to replace/ displace Brahmins in structures of power. Political crises and instability are good for Dalits assertion in Tamil Nadu politics. In the state, neither the Dalits nor the other marginalised groups have been able to utilise the situation in their favour. The Dravidian legacy of contemporary Tamil Nadu politics is such that even under these circumstances, a Dalit is neither considered for a puppet chief minister or as a stopgap. Despite a strength of 31 in the current AIADMK regime, the Dalit MLAs are nowhere in the scene. The caste configuration of AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Assembly and Cabinet: 28 MLAs of Gounder had five ministers; 20 MLAs of Thevars had 9 ministers; 19 MLAs of Vanniyar had 5 ministers; 31 MLAs belonging to others castes had 10 ministers; whereas 31 MLAs of Dalits had only 3 ministers. The numbers tell their own story. Barring Kerala, in all the other four southern states, celluloid personalities impact politics and corruption × Political culture is embedded with certain patterns of beliefs and practices over a period of time at a particular region. Barring Kerala, in all the other four southern states, celluloid personalities impact politics and corruption. Corruption is the pernicious disease of any given democracy, impacting its governance, political economy and polity. It has been booming in the everyday materiality of people and their history despite numerous crusades against the disease across the globe. Indeed, the pervasive impact of corruption on contemporary Tamil society is universally acknowledged. In fact, the more we devise mechanisms to arrest corruption, the more we discover unique ways in which it expands and infests many sections of the society. From the late 1980s onwards, Tamils/ Indians have witnessed an unprecedented boom in corruption. It has become a part and parcel of the people's existential struggle. This could be fortunate because at least people learn about the multiple means of corruption and learn to live with it or develop the courage to resist it. It is equally unfortunate because honesty, simplicity, public morality and a sense of shame are becoming rare in contemporary times. Indeed, the pervasive effects of corruption are detrimental to the process of governance and democracy. The cult behaviour and sycophancy of political cadres encourage the leadership to loot the public resources and amass wealth × Unfortunately, people who hail from a humble socio-economic background with limited skills and abilities have been unable to attract the masses to meet political ends. Therefore, they need to create a new psychology of neo-feudal culture. Such a culture relies on patronage politics, fueling sycophancy and personality cult. The cult behaviour and sycophancy of political cadres encourage the leadership to loot the public resources and amass wealth. The rule of law, public morality, and sense of shame are becoming a rarity. In order to maintain control over the newly accrued disproportionate assets, political leaders unscrupulously practise dynastic politics. They deceive and depoliticise the masses through personality cult, freebies and cinema. Besides, half-baked concept of social justice and identity politics are used as a protective shield to escape corruption. Indeed social justice is reduced to mere caste-centric state intervention, or reservation, and negating dignity of labour and decent standard of living. Ever since the late-1980s, the BJP and the Sangh Parivar have been consistently increasing their prospects by using a diverse range of issues, such as Ganesh Chaturthi, anti-conversion etc. Most recently, in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, it had new political partners such as PMK, MDMK, DMDK and a few Tamil Nationalists group in the state. While they could not gain in terms of seats, their acceptability is visibly rising. Now, with the demise of Jayalalithaa and the conviction of V.K Sasikala, BJP would certainly gain better scope in the state. MGR was able to manage the party without caste(s) dominance but Jayalalithaa’s close association to Sasikala led to an explicit dominance of the Thevar caste in the party. Sasikala neither has charismatic appeal nor has any direct connection with common people, therefore her removal will have no significant impact on Tamil Nadu's political future.

Politics of cult, caste and corruption in Tamil Nadu

<p>Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today invited AIADMK Legislative Party leader Edapaddi K Palanisamy to form the government, ending the political deadlock which has paralysed the south Indian state for several weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palanisamy&nbsp;was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu as AIADMK supporters celebrated outside Raj Bhawan today.</p>
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<p>Reports say 31 ministers were&nbsp;sworn in as part of Palanisamy&#39;s cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai: AIADMK leaders reach Raj Bhavan for Tamil Nadu cabinet and CM-designate E. Palanisamy&#39;s oath ceremony. <a href="https://t.co/PXY5mBAUqK">pic.twitter.com/PXY5mBAUqK</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/832167963872489472">February 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the outgoing chief minister O Panneersevlam vowed to fight his way back after he was sidelined by AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala in a political slug fight which transfixed the state and the nation for the past month. In a new development,&nbsp;Panneersevlam has appealed to the Election Commission to disallow the two leaves symbol of the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The man of the moment Edappadi K. Palanisamy who is set to be the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu is a known Sasikala loyalist who&nbsp;belongs to a farmer family from the powerful goundar community. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A four-time MLA from Edapaadi in Salem district, he won the 1989,1991, 2011 and&nbsp;2016 assembly elections. He was a Jayalathiaa loyalist and stood by her when the party split post-MGR&#39;s death in the 80s. He was always an important member of the Jayalathiaa cabinet.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>
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Outgoing chief minister O Panneersevlam vowed to fight his way back

Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today invited AIADMK Legislative Party leader Edapaddi K Palanisamy to form the government, ending the political deadlock which has paralysed the south Indian state for several weeks. Palanisamy was sworn in as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu as AIADMK supporters celebrated outside Raj Bhawan today. Reports say 31 ministers were sworn in as part of Palanisamy's cabinet. Chennai: AIADMK leaders reach Raj Bhavan for Tamil Nadu cabinet and CM-designate E. Palanisamy's oath ceremony. pic.twitter.com/PXY5mBAUqK — ANI (@ANI_news) February 16, 2017 × Meanwhile, the outgoing chief minister O Panneersevlam vowed to fight his way back after he was sidelined by AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala in a political slug fight which transfixed the state and the nation for the past month. In a new development, Panneersevlam has appealed to the Election Commission to disallow the two leaves symbol of the AIADMK. The man of the moment Edappadi K. Palanisamy who is set to be the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu is a known Sasikala loyalist who belongs to a farmer family from the powerful goundar community. A four-time MLA from Edapaadi in Salem district, he won the 1989,1991, 2011 and 2016 assembly elections. He was a Jayalathiaa loyalist and stood by her when the party split post-MGR's death in the 80s. He was always an important member of the Jayalathiaa cabinet. (WION)

Palanisamy sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu

<p>The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give AIADMK chief VK Sasikala any more time to surrender, after her lawyer said she needed it because she was unwell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;You know the meaning of the word immediately?&quot; a judge snapped at her lawyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala, her sister-in-law, and her nephew were found guilty yesterday in a disproportionate assets case dating back to 1996. (Former Tamil Nadu chief minister the late J Jayalalithaa was also an accused in the case.) The quartet were accused of having amassed a fortune worth more than Rs 60 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court had on Tuesday said Sasikala was to surrender immediately.</p>

<p>She did not.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> visits Jayalalithaa&#39;s memorial at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach before heading to Bengaluru, pays floral tribute <a href="https://t.co/1t8C150GKf">pic.twitter.com/1t8C150GKf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831754741365477376">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Instead, after her conviction, at a meeting with the AIADMK MLAs she was holed up with at the Golden Bay resort in Chennai, she first expelled caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam from the party and then had her loyalist Edappadi K Palanisamy elected leader of the AIADMK legislature party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala and Panneerselvam had been fighting to become chief minister of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;Now, with her conviction, Sasikala cannot hold public office for six years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Which leaves the question of who will become chief minister wide open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam, who had taken over as chief minister after the death of Jayalalithaa, had resigned from the post some time ago. He then did a sudden U-turn, saying he had been &quot;forced&quot; to resign.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Panneerselvam met with the Tamil Nadu governor.</p>

<p>He was preceded by Palanisamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The governor will now have to take a call on whom he will invite to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Pannerselvam has the public support of only 11 MLAs but his camp says he has the tacit support of at least 11 more. If he can get the support of these additional 11 MLAs, Palanisamy will have trouble mustering the majority he needs to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Stopover at Jaya&#39;s memorial</strong></p>

<p>There was even more drama on Wednesday.</p>

<p>After the Supreme Court said for a second time that Sasikala was to surrender immediately, she finally left Jayalalithaa&#39;s erstwhile Poes Garden residence. But instead of making her way directly to the authorities to surrender herself, she first made a stopover at Jayalalithaa&#39;s memorial on Marina beach where, news reports said, she made &quot;a might vow&quot;. &nbsp;(It is not yet completely clear what that vow might be.)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala has to surrender in Bengaluru, to which she is making her way by road.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And finally, on Wednesday morning, she also inducted her nephews TTV Dinakaran and S Venkatesh into the party. Both of them had been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinakaran, who was expelled in 2011, has been made deputy general secretary of the AIADMK, thereby ensuring Sasikala will have control of the party from jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


She first makes a stopover at the Jaya memorial, then heads to Bengaluru -- where she has to surrender -- by road

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give AIADMK chief VK Sasikala any more time to surrender, after her lawyer said she needed it because she was unwell. "You know the meaning of the word immediately?" a judge snapped at her lawyer. Sasikala, her sister-in-law, and her nephew were found guilty yesterday in a disproportionate assets case dating back to 1996. (Former Tamil Nadu chief minister the late J Jayalalithaa was also an accused in the case.) The quartet were accused of having amassed a fortune worth more than Rs 60 crore. The court had on Tuesday said Sasikala was to surrender immediately. She did not. #WATCH: #VKSasikala visits Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina Beach before heading to Bengaluru, pays floral tribute pic.twitter.com/1t8C150GKf — ANI (@ANI_news) February 15, 2017 × Instead, after her conviction, at a meeting with the AIADMK MLAs she was holed up with at the Golden Bay resort in Chennai, she first expelled caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam from the party and then had her loyalist Edappadi K Palanisamy elected leader of the AIADMK legislature party. Sasikala and Panneerselvam had been fighting to become chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Now, with her conviction, Sasikala cannot hold public office for six years. Which leaves the question of who will become chief minister wide open. Panneerselvam, who had taken over as chief minister after the death of Jayalalithaa, had resigned from the post some time ago. He then did a sudden U-turn, saying he had been "forced" to resign. On Tuesday, Panneerselvam met with the Tamil Nadu governor. He was preceded by Palanisamy. The governor will now have to take a call on whom he will invite to form the government. So far, Pannerselvam has the public support of only 11 MLAs but his camp says he has the tacit support of at least 11 more. If he can get the support of these additional 11 MLAs, Palanisamy will have trouble mustering the majority he needs to form the government. Stopover at Jaya's memorial There was even more drama on Wednesday. After the Supreme Court said for a second time that Sasikala was to surrender immediately, she finally left Jayalalithaa's erstwhile Poes Garden residence. But instead of making her way directly to the authorities to surrender herself, she first made a stopover at Jayalalithaa's memorial on Marina beach where, news reports said, she made "a might vow". (It is not yet completely clear what that vow might be.) Sasikala has to surrender in Bengaluru, to which she is making her way by road. And finally, on Wednesday morning, she also inducted her nephews TTV Dinakaran and S Venkatesh into the party. Both of them had been expelled from the party by Jayalalithaa. Dinakaran, who was expelled in 2011, has been made deputy general secretary of the AIADMK, thereby ensuring Sasikala will have control of the party from jail. (WION)

Supreme Court tells Sasikala to surrender immediately, a second time

<p>Claiming that Tamil Nadu acting chief minister O&nbsp;Panneerselvam did not have the support of enough MLAs to stake claim to form the state government, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday said if OPS failed to prove his majority, then Edapadi K Palanisamy should be appointed the chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>&quot;Yes, he (Palanisamy) met him (Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao) and gave him a list of majority of the MLAs and with signatures and Panneerselvam has not been able to give any list as usual. So, the Governor has no alternative than to invite Palanisamy to form a government without any delay,&quot; Swamy told ANI.</p>

<p>He further said that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be absolutely no delay.</p>

<p>&quot;Sasikala will continue to be the leader even if she is in jail and there are many legal options which have to be explored yet. But the fact of the matter is that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be no delay,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Swamy also welcomed the Supreme Court judgment convicting AIADMK chief VK&nbsp;Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The complaint against late Tamil Nadu chief minister J&nbsp;Jayalalithaa and Sasikala was first filed by Swamy in 1996.</p>

<p>Palanisamy met Governor Rao yesterday evening and claimed to have the support of 126 MLAs. He has handed over the list of MLAs to the governor.</p>

<p>However, Panneerselvam has sought time to prove majority and two members from his camp are set to meet Governor Rao soon.</p>

<p>Sasikala was sentenced to prison for four years in the case by the Supreme Court earlier on Tuesday and will not be able to stand for elections for six years after she is released from jail. She will serve three years and six months in jail as she had already served six months in 2014.</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>


The BJP leader said if OPS failed to prove his majority, then Edapadi K Palanisamy should be appointed chief minister of Tamil Nadu

Claiming that Tamil Nadu acting chief minister O Panneerselvam did not have the support of enough MLAs to stake claim to form the state government, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday said if OPS failed to prove his majority, then Edapadi K Palanisamy should be appointed the chief minister of the state. "Yes, he (Palanisamy) met him (Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao) and gave him a list of majority of the MLAs and with signatures and Panneerselvam has not been able to give any list as usual. So, the Governor has no alternative than to invite Palanisamy to form a government without any delay," Swamy told ANI. He further said that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be absolutely no delay. "Sasikala will continue to be the leader even if she is in jail and there are many legal options which have to be explored yet. But the fact of the matter is that Palaniswamy should be the chief minister and that there should be no delay," he added. Swamy also welcomed the Supreme Court judgment convicting AIADMK chief VK Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case. The complaint against late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and Sasikala was first filed by Swamy in 1996. Palanisamy met Governor Rao yesterday evening and claimed to have the support of 126 MLAs. He has handed over the list of MLAs to the governor. However, Panneerselvam has sought time to prove majority and two members from his camp are set to meet Governor Rao soon. Sasikala was sentenced to prison for four years in the case by the Supreme Court earlier on Tuesday and will not be able to stand for elections for six years after she is released from jail. She will serve three years and six months in jail as she had already served six months in 2014. (ANI)

AIADMK leadership crisis: No choice but to appoint Palanisamy as CM, says Swamy

<p>A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court has found AIADMK general secretary Sasikala guilty of having assets disproportionate to her income.</p>

<p>Sasikala was ordered to surrender immediately to the authorities but before she did, Sasikala expelled her former rival for the chief minister&#39;s chair O Panneerselvam from the party.</p>

<p>The expulsion took place at a party meeting at the Golden Bay resort in Chennai where Sasikala had been holed up with party MLAs. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same meeting, Sasikala loyalist Edapadi K Palanisamy was elected leader of the AIADMK legislature party.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam meanwhile thanked his supporters, saying: &quot;I thank lakhs and lakhs of people for continuing to support us. Good governance of Amma will continue.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> &#39;s supporters in Chennai celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> &#39;s conviction <a href="https://t.co/UtICOzS9hZ">pic.twitter.com/UtICOzS9hZ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831398567495364609">February 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>With events still unfolding in Chennai, it is unclear what exactly will happen next. Or for that matter, who will become chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam, who had taken over as chief minister after J Jayalalithaa&#39;s death, resigned recently to make way for Sasikala to take over. But after doing so, he suddenly &quot;rebelled&quot;, saying he had been &quot;forced&quot; to resign. &nbsp;</p>

<p>What is certain is that Sasikala will not become chief minister.&nbsp;The verdict -- under the Representation of the People Act -- prohibits her from holding public office for six years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it is thought that she will try and rule by proxy, which is why the expulsion of Panneerselvam and the election of Sasikala loyalist Palaisamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case against Sasikala -- it was also filed against two of her relatives, and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa -- was filed in 1996. The original charge was brought against them by Subramaniam Swamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four of them were found guilty by a special court, but then later acquitted by the Karnataka high court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That judgement was overruled by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, which found them guilty of owning assets in excess of their known sources of income.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala was ordered to surrender immediately to the authorities, and serve out the remainder of her four-year jail term. She has already served six months in jail, which leaves her to serve three years and six months in prison.</p>

<p>She was also ordered to pay a Rs 10 crore fine. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Before she surrenders to the authorities, Sasikala expels her former rival for the chief minister's chair O Panneerselvam from the AIADMK

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court has found AIADMK general secretary Sasikala guilty of having assets disproportionate to her income. Sasikala was ordered to surrender immediately to the authorities but before she did, Sasikala expelled her former rival for the chief minister's chair O Panneerselvam from the party. The expulsion took place at a party meeting at the Golden Bay resort in Chennai where Sasikala had been holed up with party MLAs. At the same meeting, Sasikala loyalist Edapadi K Palanisamy was elected leader of the AIADMK legislature party. Panneerselvam meanwhile thanked his supporters, saying: "I thank lakhs and lakhs of people for continuing to support us. Good governance of Amma will continue." #WATCH: #OPanneerselvam 's supporters in Chennai celebrate #VKSasikala 's conviction pic.twitter.com/UtICOzS9hZ — ANI (@ANI_news) February 14, 2017 × With events still unfolding in Chennai, it is unclear what exactly will happen next. Or for that matter, who will become chief minister. Panneerselvam, who had taken over as chief minister after J Jayalalithaa's death, resigned recently to make way for Sasikala to take over. But after doing so, he suddenly "rebelled", saying he had been "forced" to resign. What is certain is that Sasikala will not become chief minister. The verdict -- under the Representation of the People Act -- prohibits her from holding public office for six years. But it is thought that she will try and rule by proxy, which is why the expulsion of Panneerselvam and the election of Sasikala loyalist Palaisamy. The case against Sasikala -- it was also filed against two of her relatives, and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa -- was filed in 1996. The original charge was brought against them by Subramaniam Swamy. All four of them were found guilty by a special court, but then later acquitted by the Karnataka high court. That judgement was overruled by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, which found them guilty of owning assets in excess of their known sources of income. Sasikala was ordered to surrender immediately to the authorities, and serve out the remainder of her four-year jail term. She has already served six months in jail, which leaves her to serve three years and six months in prison. She was also ordered to pay a Rs 10 crore fine. (WION)

India: Supreme Court finds Sasikala guilty, she will not be chief minister

<p>A police contingent arrived at Golden Bay resort where pro-Sasikala MLAs are staying, the legislators may be forced out as&nbsp;Tamil Nadu was&nbsp;put on high alert after India&#39;s Supreme Court found AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala guilty in the disproportionate assets&nbsp;case.</p>

<p>Media reports said police have disconnected power supply in the Golden Bay resort&nbsp;at Koovathur after the MLAs refused to vacate the resort.</p>

<p>In another development that is set to further boost the O Panneerselvam camp, Deepa Jayakumar, Jayalalithaa&#39;s niece, has officialy entered politics and extended her support to the caretaker chief minister. Both of them visited the memorial of the former chief minister, Jayalalithaa, and paid their truibutes to her.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tl">Late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa&#39;s niece Deepa Jayakumar with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> at Chennai&#39;s Marina Beach <a href="https://t.co/9LKYX8w61i">pic.twitter.com/9LKYX8w61i</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831533298111307779">February 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao met&nbsp;AIADMK legislature party leader Edapadi K.Palanisamy in Raj Bhawan this evening, soon after AIADMK MP and Panneerselvam supporter &nbsp;V Maitreyan&nbsp;set out to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao at&nbsp;Raj Bhavan as the political climate in Tamil Nadu reached boiling point.</p>

<p>Earlier, in a fast turn of events, Sasikala called an emergency meeting at a resort outside Chennai where party MLAs have been stationed for a week and announced that Palaniswami, a five-time MLA, would be the new legislature party head. Sasikala also expelled interim chief minister O Panneerselvam from the party&#39;s primary membership along with him she also expelled 19 other &quot;rebel&quot; leaders from the party. The sacked leaders&#39; list include: P H Pandian, C Ponnaiyan, Natham R Viswanathan, K P Munusamy, P Mohan, K A Jayapaul, K P Rajendra Prasad, Parithi Ilamvazhuthi.</p>

<p>E Ponnusamy, P H Manoj Pandian, J C D Prabhakar, Thavasi, S K Selvam, K Ayyappan, Muthuselvi, MGR, K A K Mukil, V Neelakandan and M Muthuramalingam were also expelled from the party by Sasikala.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AIADMK&#39;s V Maitreyan and PH Pandian ( <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> supporters) leave after meeting Tamil Nadu Governor at Raj Bhavan <a href="https://t.co/moOkPTwGPR">pic.twitter.com/moOkPTwGPR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831509477874561024">February 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Palaniswami, a known Sasikala loyalist, is now expected take up the fight against Panneerselvam, his first critical task would be to keep the party MLAs together, already several MLAs have crossed over to the Panneerselvam camp.</p>
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<p>Palaniswami was quick to assert his leadership declaring he had sent a letter to the Governor of Tamil Nadu Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim to form the government. However, the big question is what will Panneerselvam do next?</p>

<p>Also, there were&nbsp;reports that Sasikala would&nbsp;surrender this evening, a move which is being keenly watched by the &nbsp;Panneerselvam camp who are counting on poaching even more MLAs from Sasikala&#39;s camp and cobble together a working majority. However, she has dodged&nbsp;the surrender citing a legal loophole, all eyes will be on her tomorrow to surrender.</p>

<p>Sasikala was ordered to surrender immediately to the authorities by the Supreme Court&nbsp;and serve out the remainder of her four-year jail term. Sasikala&nbsp;has already served six months in jail, with&nbsp;three years and six months still left to serve in prison. The court also ordered her to pay Rs 10 crore as a fine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Coimbatore(TN): <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a>&#39;s supporters celebrate aftr SC&#39;s DA case verdict that convicted <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a>;raise slogans agnst <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a>. <a href="https://t.co/e4FJ09afHb">pic.twitter.com/e4FJ09afHb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831453558620839936">February 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>(WION with agency inputs)</p>
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Tamil Nadu is on high alert after India's Supreme Court found AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala guilty in the disproportionate asset case

A police contingent arrived at Golden Bay resort where pro-Sasikala MLAs are staying, the legislators may be forced out as Tamil Nadu was put on high alert after India's Supreme Court found AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala guilty in the disproportionate assets case. Media reports said police have disconnected power supply in the Golden Bay resort at Koovathur after the MLAs refused to vacate the resort. In another development that is set to further boost the O Panneerselvam camp, Deepa Jayakumar, Jayalalithaa's niece, has officialy entered politics and extended her support to the caretaker chief minister. Both of them visited the memorial of the former chief minister, Jayalalithaa, and paid their truibutes to her. Late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar with #OPanneerselvam at Chennai's Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/9LKYX8w61i — ANI (@ANI_news) February 14, 2017 × Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao met AIADMK legislature party leader Edapadi K.Palanisamy in Raj Bhawan this evening, soon after AIADMK MP and Panneerselvam supporter V Maitreyan set out to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan as the political climate in Tamil Nadu reached boiling point. Earlier, in a fast turn of events, Sasikala called an emergency meeting at a resort outside Chennai where party MLAs have been stationed for a week and announced that Palaniswami, a five-time MLA, would be the new legislature party head. Sasikala also expelled interim chief minister O Panneerselvam from the party's primary membership along with him she also expelled 19 other "rebel" leaders from the party. The sacked leaders' list include: P H Pandian, C Ponnaiyan, Natham R Viswanathan, K P Munusamy, P Mohan, K A Jayapaul, K P Rajendra Prasad, Parithi Ilamvazhuthi. E Ponnusamy, P H Manoj Pandian, J C D Prabhakar, Thavasi, S K Selvam, K Ayyappan, Muthuselvi, MGR, K A K Mukil, V Neelakandan and M Muthuramalingam were also expelled from the party by Sasikala. AIADMK's V Maitreyan and PH Pandian ( #OPanneerselvam supporters) leave after meeting Tamil Nadu Governor at Raj Bhavan pic.twitter.com/moOkPTwGPR — ANI (@ANI_news) February 14, 2017 × Palaniswami, a known Sasikala loyalist, is now expected take up the fight against Panneerselvam, his first critical task would be to keep the party MLAs together, already several MLAs have crossed over to the Panneerselvam camp. Palaniswami was quick to assert his leadership declaring he had sent a letter to the Governor of Tamil Nadu Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim to form the government. However, the big question is what will Panneerselvam do next? Also, there were reports that Sasikala would surrender this evening, a move which is being keenly watched by the Panneerselvam camp who are counting on poaching even more MLAs from Sasikala's camp and cobble together a working majority. However, she has dodged the surrender citing a legal loophole, all eyes will be on her tomorrow to surrender. Sasikala was ordered to surrender immediately to the authorities by the Supreme Court and serve out the remainder of her four-year jail term. Sasikala has already served six months in jail, with three years and six months still left to serve in prison. The court also ordered her to pay Rs 10 crore as a fine. Coimbatore(TN): #OPanneerselvam's supporters celebrate aftr SC's DA case verdict that convicted #VKSasikala;raise slogans agnst #VKSasikala. pic.twitter.com/e4FJ09afHb — ANI (@ANI_news) February 14, 2017 × (WION with agency inputs)

AIADMK leadership crisis: Police contingent arrives at resort, Pro-Sasikala MLAs likely to be forced out

<p>The Supreme Court will decide on the disproportionate assets case today in which former Tamil Nadu chief minister the late J Jayalalithaa and three others, including Sasikala, are named.</p>

<p>The make-or-mar judgement for Sasikala&nbsp;is likely to be delivered at 10:30 am IST, according to the Supreme Court cause list of cases to be taken up by it today.</p>

<p>Since former chief minister&nbsp;J Jayalalithaa is dead, the case against her will not go ahead&nbsp;but the other accused, Sasikala and her relatives VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, will&nbsp;be subject to the Supreme Court verdict. They were convicted by a trial court, but acquitted by the Karnataka High Court.</p>

<p>Sasikala is locked in a bitter battle for leadership of the AIADMK against interim chief minister&nbsp;O Panneerselvam, the Supreme Court verdict will be crucial for both leaders as they try to&nbsp;wrestle control over the leadership of the AIADMK&nbsp;which is in power in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian government&#39;s chief legal advisor and the primary lawyer of India&#39;s top court has asked the governor of Tamil Nadu C. Vidyasagar Rao&nbsp;to hold a floor test in&nbsp;the state assembly&nbsp;to determine the next chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>The Attorney General of India, Mukul Rohatgi, said both deserved an equal chance.</p>

<p>The ruling AIADMK party has been cleaved into two factions, with one bloc supporting late party chief J Jayalalithaa&#39;s close aide VK Sasikala and the other backing O Panneerselvam, who was until a few days back the head of the local government in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;The political bedlam started when Panneerselvam claimed that AIADMK leaders put pressure on him to step down from the chief ministerial in order to pave way for Sasikala to become the next head.</p>

<p>Sasikala has stationed a bulk of AIADMK MLAs at a resort in Chennai and is hoping for a call-up from the Tamil Nadu governor C. Vidyasagar Rao to showcase her strength, if the Supreme Court verdict goes in her favour tomorrow she will put more pressure on the governor to allow her to take the floor test.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> says &quot;will stay with MLAs tonight&quot; at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/fqJ1IJpZwa">pic.twitter.com/fqJ1IJpZwa</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831146796273459202">February 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, AIADMK general secretary Sasikala hit out against Panneerselvam, declaring&nbsp;she knew how &quot;to manage any number of enemies&quot;. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The AIADMK general secretary said,&quot;After Jayalalithaa&#39;s death, I told him to become the chief minister. I have been with Amma(Jayalalithaa) for 33 years and I am used to threats. What is happening now is not new.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Speaking to reporters from the AIADMK headquarters at Poes Garden, Sasikala said that party cadres were with her and &quot;with Amma&#39;s(Jayalalithaa&#39;s) blessings, an AIADMK government will be in place&quot;.&nbsp;</p>
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&nbsp;<br />
Early on Sunday, four Lok Sabha members&mdash;Jaisingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Thoothukudi), B Senguttuvan (Vellore), RP Marutharaja (Perambalur) and S Rajendran (Villupuram)&mdash;and Rajya Sabha member R Lakshmanan switched over from Sasikala to Panneerselvam&#39;s camp as the fight over the control of the party continued between the two leaders.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> meets people en route to Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/F2KSEfDYXJ">pic.twitter.com/F2KSEfDYXJ</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/831095763451076608">February 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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If convicted, the balance will tilt towards Panneerselvam. If acquitted, it will fortify her chances of becoming Tamil Nadu chief minister

The Supreme Court will decide on the disproportionate assets case today in which former Tamil Nadu chief minister the late J Jayalalithaa and three others, including Sasikala, are named. The make-or-mar judgement for Sasikala is likely to be delivered at 10:30 am IST, according to the Supreme Court cause list of cases to be taken up by it today. Since former chief minister J Jayalalithaa is dead, the case against her will not go ahead but the other accused, Sasikala and her relatives VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, will be subject to the Supreme Court verdict. They were convicted by a trial court, but acquitted by the Karnataka High Court. Sasikala is locked in a bitter battle for leadership of the AIADMK against interim chief minister O Panneerselvam, the Supreme Court verdict will be crucial for both leaders as they try to wrestle control over the leadership of the AIADMK which is in power in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the Indian government's chief legal advisor and the primary lawyer of India's top court has asked the governor of Tamil Nadu C. Vidyasagar Rao to hold a floor test in the state assembly to determine the next chief minister of the state. The Attorney General of India, Mukul Rohatgi, said both deserved an equal chance. The ruling AIADMK party has been cleaved into two factions, with one bloc supporting late party chief J Jayalalithaa's close aide VK Sasikala and the other backing O Panneerselvam, who was until a few days back the head of the local government in Tamil Nadu. The political bedlam started when Panneerselvam claimed that AIADMK leaders put pressure on him to step down from the chief ministerial in order to pave way for Sasikala to become the next head. Sasikala has stationed a bulk of AIADMK MLAs at a resort in Chennai and is hoping for a call-up from the Tamil Nadu governor C. Vidyasagar Rao to showcase her strength, if the Supreme Court verdict goes in her favour tomorrow she will put more pressure on the governor to allow her to take the floor test. #VKSasikala says "will stay with MLAs tonight" at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/fqJ1IJpZwa — ANI (@ANI_news) February 13, 2017 × Earlier in the day, AIADMK general secretary Sasikala hit out against Panneerselvam, declaring she knew how "to manage any number of enemies". The AIADMK general secretary said,"After Jayalalithaa's death, I told him to become the chief minister. I have been with Amma(Jayalalithaa) for 33 years and I am used to threats. What is happening now is not new." Speaking to reporters from the AIADMK headquarters at Poes Garden, Sasikala said that party cadres were with her and "with Amma's(Jayalalithaa's) blessings, an AIADMK government will be in place". Early on Sunday, four Lok Sabha members—Jaisingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Thoothukudi), B Senguttuvan (Vellore), RP Marutharaja (Perambalur) and S Rajendran (Villupuram)—and Rajya Sabha member R Lakshmanan switched over from Sasikala to Panneerselvam's camp as the fight over the control of the party continued between the two leaders. #VKSasikala meets people en route to Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/F2KSEfDYXJ — ANI (@ANI_news) February 13, 2017 ×

AIADMK crisis: Supreme Court to decide Sasikala's fate in disproportionate assets case today

<p>Security has been stepped up across Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure ahead of the verdict in the disproportionate assets case likely to be announced on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Additional police have been deployed at the chief minister&#39;s Greenways road residence and Raj Bhavan besides Koovathur resort where AIADMK MLAs supporting party chief VK Sasikala are staying, police said.</p>

<p>The fate of Sasikala, fighting a bitter power battle with interim Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam after the demise of J Jayalithaa&nbsp;is likely to be decided on Monday as the Supreme Court may deliver the much-awaited verdict in the disproportionate assets case involving her as an accused.</p>

<p>Besides Jayalalithaa, against whom the proceedings would be abated due to her demise on December 5 last year, Sasikala, and the latter&#39;s relatives, VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, were also acquitted in the assets case by the Karnataka High Court.</p>

<p>(This report first appeared in DNA)</p>


Additional police has been deployed at the chief minister's Greenways road residence and Raj Bhavan, police said

Security has been stepped up across Tamil Nadu as a precautionary measure ahead of the verdict in the disproportionate assets case likely to be announced on Tuesday. Additional police have been deployed at the chief minister's Greenways road residence and Raj Bhavan besides Koovathur resort where AIADMK MLAs supporting party chief VK Sasikala are staying, police said. The fate of Sasikala, fighting a bitter power battle with interim Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam after the demise of J Jayalithaa is likely to be decided on Monday as the Supreme Court may deliver the much-awaited verdict in the disproportionate assets case involving her as an accused. Besides Jayalalithaa, against whom the proceedings would be abated due to her demise on December 5 last year, Sasikala, and the latter's relatives, VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, were also acquitted in the assets case by the Karnataka High Court. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Security stepped up across Tamil Nadu ahead of disproportionate assets case verdict

<p>Launching a scathing attack on acting Chief Minster O&nbsp;Panneerselvam, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam&nbsp;(AIADMK) general secretary VK&nbsp;Sasikala on Sunday blamed the former of trying to create a rift within the party and asked the workers to ensure that the government formed under later chief minister Jayalalithaa is kept alive.</p>

<p>In an emotional address to the party MLAs at Golden Bay resort, Sasikala&nbsp;said, &quot;Our only goal is to ensure that Amma&#39;s government should be kept alive. We have to ensure that for the third time running our government will come into power. I will work hard, I want you to work hard too&quot;.</p>

<p>Speaking about the comparisons made between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and her, Sasikala said that the former is a quiet person and she is like a &#39;little lion&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;People are comparing Panneerselvam and me. They feel that he&#39;s a quiet person, who listens to everyone, and on the other hand, look at me like a little lion. Because I was always with the lion. Everyone who is with the lion is a lion,&quot;&nbsp;Sasikala said. &quot;I will protect this party and this government till my dying breadth,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>Asking all the party cadres to remain united, Sasikala said, &quot;You must all stay united. We must not let this chance go. We must not let the DMK win.&quot;</p>

<p>Sasikala also refuted allegations that she has held several party MLAs captive, to prevent them from joining Panneerselvam&#39;s camp and said that the defectors, along with the opposition, are spreading lies to split the party.</p>

<p>&quot;You can see for yourselves that no one has been locked up. You should see this and understand that the people who said MLAs are being locked up are lies. Some defectors and as well as our enemies are spreading false rumours to the media,&quot;&nbsp;Sasikala said.</p>

<p>Earlier today, Sasikala said that the AIADMK, under her leadership, would run the government for next four-and-half years.</p>

<p>Before heading to Koovathur to meet MLAs, Sasikala said she is being targeted by the opposition in the party for being a woman.</p>

<p>&quot;Things which are happening now are not new to us. There were attempts in past also, to divide the party. When MGR died, the AIADMK had to face similar situation. I witnessed a similar situation when Jayalalithaa was set to take over,&quot;&nbsp;she said, adding, &quot;It shows that there are some people, who cannot tolerate a lady&#39;s entry in electoral politics.&quot;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the number of AIADMK MPs joining Panneerselvam&#39;s group is increasing day-by-day. Panneerselvam has the support of the seven MLAs as of now. If he gets the support of 18 MLAs, Sasikala will not be able to form the government on her own.</p>

<p>In the 235-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, the AIADMK has 135 MLAs.</p>

<p>On February 5, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was elected as the party&#39;s legislature leader, a step towards her elevation as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>Earlier, both sides called on the Governor, pressing their demand to invite them to form the government.</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


Sasikala blamed Panneerselvam for creating a rift within the party and asked workers to ensure that Jayalalithaa's party endures

Launching a scathing attack on acting Chief Minster O Panneerselvam, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary VK Sasikala on Sunday blamed the former of trying to create a rift within the party and asked the workers to ensure that the government formed under later chief minister Jayalalithaa is kept alive. In an emotional address to the party MLAs at Golden Bay resort, Sasikala said, "Our only goal is to ensure that Amma's government should be kept alive. We have to ensure that for the third time running our government will come into power. I will work hard, I want you to work hard too". Speaking about the comparisons made between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and her, Sasikala said that the former is a quiet person and she is like a 'little lion". "People are comparing Panneerselvam and me. They feel that he's a quiet person, who listens to everyone, and on the other hand, look at me like a little lion. Because I was always with the lion. Everyone who is with the lion is a lion," Sasikala said. "I will protect this party and this government till my dying breadth," she added. Asking all the party cadres to remain united, Sasikala said, "You must all stay united. We must not let this chance go. We must not let the DMK win." Sasikala also refuted allegations that she has held several party MLAs captive, to prevent them from joining Panneerselvam's camp and said that the defectors, along with the opposition, are spreading lies to split the party. "You can see for yourselves that no one has been locked up. You should see this and understand that the people who said MLAs are being locked up are lies. Some defectors and as well as our enemies are spreading false rumours to the media," Sasikala said. Earlier today, Sasikala said that the AIADMK, under her leadership, would run the government for next four-and-half years. Before heading to Koovathur to meet MLAs, Sasikala said she is being targeted by the opposition in the party for being a woman. "Things which are happening now are not new to us. There were attempts in past also, to divide the party. When MGR died, the AIADMK had to face similar situation. I witnessed a similar situation when Jayalalithaa was set to take over," she said, adding, "It shows that there are some people, who cannot tolerate a lady's entry in electoral politics." Meanwhile, the number of AIADMK MPs joining Panneerselvam's group is increasing day-by-day. Panneerselvam has the support of the seven MLAs as of now. If he gets the support of 18 MLAs, Sasikala will not be able to form the government on her own. In the 235-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, the AIADMK has 135 MLAs. On February 5, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala was elected as the party's legislature leader, a step towards her elevation as chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, both sides called on the Governor, pressing their demand to invite them to form the government. (ANI)

Sasikala breaks down, asks MLAs to keep Amma's government alive

<p>The ruling party in India&#39;s southern state of Tamil Nadu continues to be blighted&nbsp;by defections, allegations and intrigue over who the next chief minister will be.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu has been without a chief minister since last week, when O Panneerselvam resigned from the post due to alleged pressure from people in the ruling party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).</p>

<p>Since then, the party has been split into two factions: one supporting Panneerselvam and the other backing the party chief VK Sasikala.</p>

<p>Though currently the numbers are with Sasikala, there are lawmakers who are yet to make up their mind and have switched loyalties.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu has 235 lawmakers in its local assembly and the next chief minister will have to have support of at least 118 people.</p>

<p>On Sunday, the Panneerselvam bloc got a fresh boost when two members of the parliament extended their support, taking the total tally to ten.</p>

<p>Sasikala received a severe blow when one of the senior ministers, K Pandiarajan, joined forces with her political adversary.</p>

<p>Senguttuvan and J Jeyasingh extended their support and met Panneerselvam at his residence.</p>

<p>Former AIADMK MP Ramarajan also met O Panneerselvam&nbsp;to extend his support.</p>

<p>On Saturday, an MLA and 4 MPs of AIADMK joined Panneerselvam after deserting party general secretary Sasikala who threatened to hold a protest on Sunday while targeting Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao for the delay in swearing her in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>But Sasikala has maintained that the numbers are on her side and is confident of becoming the next head of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>Sasikala took to Twitter to hit back at the opposing camp, saying she was confident of tiding over the current problem.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Tiding rough sea has taken AIADMK to pinnacle of success. The same group which went against Amma is now attacking us. I am not scared of such threats,&rdquo; she tweeted.</p>

<p>She also repsonded about a letter she apparently wrote to Jayalalithaa after being ousted from the party in 2011.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam had said she had written a letter to then party chief Jayalalithaa, in which she stated that she has no desire to get involved in politics.</p>

<p>Sasikala rubbished the letter, saying she never wrote such a letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;A letter has been circulated as if I have written it. It shows there are people who cannot tolerate a lady getting into politics.The letter which claims to have been written by me is false,&quot; she wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>The infighting started last Sunday (February 5) when Panneerselvam stepped down from the chief ministerial post. It was initially understood that he had resigned to pave the way for Sasikala to be the next chief minister.</p>

<p>But two days later, Panneerselvam&nbsp;whipped up a storm when he claimed that he was forced to step down.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Ten MPs, 6 MLAs have joined Tamil Nadu caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam's camp

The ruling party in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu continues to be blighted by defections, allegations and intrigue over who the next chief minister will be. Tamil Nadu has been without a chief minister since last week, when O Panneerselvam resigned from the post due to alleged pressure from people in the ruling party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Since then, the party has been split into two factions: one supporting Panneerselvam and the other backing the party chief VK Sasikala. Though currently the numbers are with Sasikala, there are lawmakers who are yet to make up their mind and have switched loyalties. Tamil Nadu has 235 lawmakers in its local assembly and the next chief minister will have to have support of at least 118 people. On Sunday, the Panneerselvam bloc got a fresh boost when two members of the parliament extended their support, taking the total tally to ten. Sasikala received a severe blow when one of the senior ministers, K Pandiarajan, joined forces with her political adversary. Senguttuvan and J Jeyasingh extended their support and met Panneerselvam at his residence. Former AIADMK MP Ramarajan also met O Panneerselvam to extend his support. On Saturday, an MLA and 4 MPs of AIADMK joined Panneerselvam after deserting party general secretary Sasikala who threatened to hold a protest on Sunday while targeting Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao for the delay in swearing her in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. But Sasikala has maintained that the numbers are on her side and is confident of becoming the next head of Tamil Nadu. Sasikala took to Twitter to hit back at the opposing camp, saying she was confident of tiding over the current problem. “Tiding rough sea has taken AIADMK to pinnacle of success. The same group which went against Amma is now attacking us. I am not scared of such threats,” she tweeted. She also repsonded about a letter she apparently wrote to Jayalalithaa after being ousted from the party in 2011. Panneerselvam had said she had written a letter to then party chief Jayalalithaa, in which she stated that she has no desire to get involved in politics. Sasikala rubbished the letter, saying she never wrote such a letter. “A letter has been circulated as if I have written it. It shows there are people who cannot tolerate a lady getting into politics.The letter which claims to have been written by me is false," she wrote on Twitter. The infighting started last Sunday (February 5) when Panneerselvam stepped down from the chief ministerial post. It was initially understood that he had resigned to pave the way for Sasikala to be the next chief minister. But two days later, Panneerselvam whipped up a storm when he claimed that he was forced to step down. (WION)

India: AIADMK chief Sasikala vows to tide over problems as lawmakers shift camps

<p>AIADMK general secretary Sasikala and Tamil Nadu&#39;s incumbent chief minister Panneerselvam continued to stake their claim to the chief minister&#39;s post on Sunday.</p>

<p>In her address to Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), most of whom who are currently lodged in a resort near Chennai, Sasikala claimed support of 129 legislators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;You 129 MLAs are like an ocean. None can contain it by building a check dam. No efforts will destabilise this government. None can hurt us and there is no need to fear,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>She also accused acting chief minister O Panneerselvam of instigating &quot;some of our own&quot; and asked the legislators to continue serving the people and ensure AIADMK&#39;s continued electoral success.</p>

<p>Sasikala, who had earlier in the day observed that it was &quot;very difficult&quot; to be a woman in politics, said there were efforts to &quot;intimidate&quot; her as she was a woman, but asserted that she would not be cowed down.</p>

<p>She also broke down, reminiscing her predecessor, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accusing O Panneerselvam of instigating &quot;some of our own&quot;, she asked the legislators to continue serving the people and ensure AIADMK&#39;s continued electoral success.</p>

<p>Paneerselvam, on the other hand, said he would prove his strength on the floor of the Assembly.</p>

<p>&quot;Shedding crocodile tears, passing new remarks every day is not going to help. Will prove everything in assembly,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;Many many party cadres were voicing their opinion against Sasikala assuming charge as Tamil Nadu chief minister, he said.</p>

<p>Five legislators from Tamil Nadu assembly have officially joined Panneerselvam, who is an MLA himself.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu assembly has 234 members and to be chief minister, a leader has to prove the support of 118 lawmakers.</p>

<p>AIADMK lawmaker and the state&#39;s School Education Minister &nbsp;K Pandiarajan, who switched sides yesterday, said more legislators would walk away from Sasikala, NDTV had reported.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam claimed that the MLAs lodged in the resort were being intimidated with the aid of goons.</p>

<p>&quot;Even today many party MLAs are contacting me and telling, for each MLA there are four &#39;gundas&#39; (goons) sitting,&quot; the acting chief minister told ANI.</p>

<p>He called for the legislators to be &quot;released&quot; so that they could meet people in their respective constituencies.</p>

<p><strong>Governor awaiting verdict in disproportionate assets case: Sources</strong></p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, meanwhile, is reportedly unfazed and is awaiting the top court verdict on the disproportionate assets case involving the AIADMK general secretary.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/o-pannnerselvams-support-grows-2-more-lawmakers-join-10-updates-1658542">NDTV quoted sources</a> as saying that the Governor believes he has a constitutional duty to ensure a stable government is formed in the state. If convicted, Sasikala will not be able to contest elections for six years.</p>

<p>&quot;It is not just a question of numbers. The Governor is concerned about the&nbsp;ability to form a&nbsp;stable government. It is not right to try to intimidate with threats,&quot; a source told NDTV. He was referring to the AIADMK general secretary&#39;s threats of launching a protest over what she says is a &quot;deliberate delay&quot; to divide her party.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Panneerselvam said the Sasikala-camp legislators holed up in a resort be 'released' so that they could meet people in their constituencies

AIADMK general secretary Sasikala and Tamil Nadu's incumbent chief minister Panneerselvam continued to stake their claim to the chief minister's post on Sunday. In her address to Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), most of whom who are currently lodged in a resort near Chennai, Sasikala claimed support of 129 legislators. "You 129 MLAs are like an ocean. None can contain it by building a check dam. No efforts will destabilise this government. None can hurt us and there is no need to fear," she said. She also accused acting chief minister O Panneerselvam of instigating "some of our own" and asked the legislators to continue serving the people and ensure AIADMK's continued electoral success. Sasikala, who had earlier in the day observed that it was "very difficult" to be a woman in politics, said there were efforts to "intimidate" her as she was a woman, but asserted that she would not be cowed down. She also broke down, reminiscing her predecessor, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Accusing O Panneerselvam of instigating "some of our own", she asked the legislators to continue serving the people and ensure AIADMK's continued electoral success. Paneerselvam, on the other hand, said he would prove his strength on the floor of the Assembly. "Shedding crocodile tears, passing new remarks every day is not going to help. Will prove everything in assembly," he said. "Many many party cadres were voicing their opinion against Sasikala assuming charge as Tamil Nadu chief minister, he said. Five legislators from Tamil Nadu assembly have officially joined Panneerselvam, who is an MLA himself. The Tamil Nadu assembly has 234 members and to be chief minister, a leader has to prove the support of 118 lawmakers. AIADMK lawmaker and the state's School Education Minister K Pandiarajan, who switched sides yesterday, said more legislators would walk away from Sasikala, NDTV had reported. Panneerselvam claimed that the MLAs lodged in the resort were being intimidated with the aid of goons. "Even today many party MLAs are contacting me and telling, for each MLA there are four 'gundas' (goons) sitting," the acting chief minister told ANI. He called for the legislators to be "released" so that they could meet people in their respective constituencies. Governor awaiting verdict in disproportionate assets case: Sources Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, meanwhile, is reportedly unfazed and is awaiting the top court verdict on the disproportionate assets case involving the AIADMK general secretary. NDTV quoted sources as saying that the Governor believes he has a constitutional duty to ensure a stable government is formed in the state. If convicted, Sasikala will not be able to contest elections for six years. "It is not just a question of numbers. The Governor is concerned about the ability to form a stable government. It is not right to try to intimidate with threats," a source told NDTV. He was referring to the AIADMK general secretary's threats of launching a protest over what she says is a "deliberate delay" to divide her party. (WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)

Sasikala claims support of 129 legislators, Panneerselvam says will prove strength in Assembly

<p>Even as five legislators and party spokesperson crossed over to the camp of incumbent Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam, All India Anna Dravidi Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief Sasikala&nbsp;alleged the Governor was deliberately delaying declaring her as chief minister.</p>

<p>Political uncertainty has gripped the state following Panneerselvam&#39;s revolt against the AIADMK general secretary. Sasikala met Tamil Nadu Governor &nbsp;C Vidyasagar Rao on February 9, staking her claim to form the government in the state.</p>

<p>Sasikala said delaying tactics were an attempt to &quot;create division in the party&quot;, adding that her supporters would launch a new kind of protest from Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;All party MLAs are fine and happy. We were waiting patiently till this moment for a reply from the Governor. Needed measures will be taken. From tomorrow onwards, we would begin a new kind of protest. Delaying tactics is an attempt to create divisions in the&nbsp;party,&quot; Sasikala told the press after meeting her MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly).</p>

<p>&quot;We are being patient because of our belief in fairness and trust in democracy. But, we can be patient only to a limit. Beyond that, we will decide what to do,&quot; warned Sasikala, close aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa.</p>

<p>Asked about the outcome of the meeting with the MLAs, currently lodged in a resort in capital Chennai, Sasikala said, &quot;After meeting the party MLAs, I feel happy.&quot;</p>

<p>Asked if she would sought any legal remedies in the issue, she said, &quot;Please wait and watch&quot;.</p>

<p>In her address to party workers at Jayalalithaa&#39;s Poes Garden residence, Sasikala claimed to have the support of 15 million&nbsp;people. &quot;It is my duty to lead the party and government. The maneuvering of a few people cannot hurt this mass movement which has 1.5 crore supporters left behind by Amma (Jayalalithaa),&quot; she said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Those in support of Panneerselvam</strong></p>

<p>MLA and school education K Pandiarajan and four Members of Parliament (MPs) -- PR Sundaram, K Ashok Kumar, V Sathyabama and Vanaroja -- switched over to Panneerselvam&#39;s camp on Saturday.</p>

<p>Party veteran and spokesperson C Ponnaiyan also drove to Panneerselvam&#39;s residence and offered his support. The Panneerselvam camp now has seven of the 135 MLAs, including him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other senior leaders of the AIADMK who have extended their support include former minister M M Rajendra Prasad, AIADMK number two&nbsp;Madhusudanan and Rajya Sabha MLA V Maitreyan, who urged President Pranab Mukherjee and the central government to take &quot;severe action&quot; against Sasikala, for her &quot;threatening&quot; statement against the Governor.</p>

<p>Sathyabama accused Sasikala of favouring those who were &quot;rejected&quot; by late Jayalalithaa. &quot;Today, those were rejected by Amma are holding big positions there (Sasikala group),&quot; Satyabama said, flanked by Panneerselvam and other leaders of his faction.</p>

<p>In a veiled attack on Jayalalithaa, Sathyabama said, &quot;A priest, though venerable, cannot become God, and similarly nobody can become Amma&quot;.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, AIADMK Presidium Chairman KA Sengottaiyan said all MLAs and ministers were behind Sasikala and keen to make her Chief Minister. &quot;All MLAs and ministers are unanimous in their thinking that we have to make her (Sasikala) Chief Minister and we are striving in this regard,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling Sasikala as the &quot;temporary general secretary&quot;, Panneerselvam said, &quot;The Council can only appoint a temporary general secretary. Proper elections have to be held to elect a general secretary according to the party by-laws. People are on my side&quot;.</p>

<p>The acting Chief Minister also said he has the support of the AIADMK leaders and would prove his majority in the assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security has, meanwhile, been beefed up in the city with intensified patrolling and checking of places of accommodation to prevent anti-social elements from creating any law and order issues, police said.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The AIADMK general secretary said the delay in her swearing-in ceremony was an attempt to divide her party

Even as five legislators and party spokesperson crossed over to the camp of incumbent Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam, All India Anna Dravidi Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief Sasikala alleged the Governor was deliberately delaying declaring her as chief minister. Political uncertainty has gripped the state following Panneerselvam's revolt against the AIADMK general secretary. Sasikala met Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on February 9, staking her claim to form the government in the state. Sasikala said delaying tactics were an attempt to "create division in the party", adding that her supporters would launch a new kind of protest from Sunday. "All party MLAs are fine and happy. We were waiting patiently till this moment for a reply from the Governor. Needed measures will be taken. From tomorrow onwards, we would begin a new kind of protest. Delaying tactics is an attempt to create divisions in the party," Sasikala told the press after meeting her MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly). "We are being patient because of our belief in fairness and trust in democracy. But, we can be patient only to a limit. Beyond that, we will decide what to do," warned Sasikala, close aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa. Asked about the outcome of the meeting with the MLAs, currently lodged in a resort in capital Chennai, Sasikala said, "After meeting the party MLAs, I feel happy." Asked if she would sought any legal remedies in the issue, she said, "Please wait and watch". In her address to party workers at Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence, Sasikala claimed to have the support of 15 million people. "It is my duty to lead the party and government. The maneuvering of a few people cannot hurt this mass movement which has 1.5 crore supporters left behind by Amma (Jayalalithaa)," she said. Those in support of Panneerselvam MLA and school education K Pandiarajan and four Members of Parliament (MPs) -- PR Sundaram, K Ashok Kumar, V Sathyabama and Vanaroja -- switched over to Panneerselvam's camp on Saturday. Party veteran and spokesperson C Ponnaiyan also drove to Panneerselvam's residence and offered his support. The Panneerselvam camp now has seven of the 135 MLAs, including him. Other senior leaders of the AIADMK who have extended their support include former minister M M Rajendra Prasad, AIADMK number two Madhusudanan and Rajya Sabha MLA V Maitreyan, who urged President Pranab Mukherjee and the central government to take "severe action" against Sasikala, for her "threatening" statement against the Governor. Sathyabama accused Sasikala of favouring those who were "rejected" by late Jayalalithaa. "Today, those were rejected by Amma are holding big positions there (Sasikala group)," Satyabama said, flanked by Panneerselvam and other leaders of his faction. In a veiled attack on Jayalalithaa, Sathyabama said, "A priest, though venerable, cannot become God, and similarly nobody can become Amma". Meanwhile, AIADMK Presidium Chairman KA Sengottaiyan said all MLAs and ministers were behind Sasikala and keen to make her Chief Minister. "All MLAs and ministers are unanimous in their thinking that we have to make her (Sasikala) Chief Minister and we are striving in this regard," he said. Calling Sasikala as the "temporary general secretary", Panneerselvam said, "The Council can only appoint a temporary general secretary. Proper elections have to be held to elect a general secretary according to the party by-laws. People are on my side". The acting Chief Minister also said he has the support of the AIADMK leaders and would prove his majority in the assembly. Security has, meanwhile, been beefed up in the city with intensified patrolling and checking of places of accommodation to prevent anti-social elements from creating any law and order issues, police said. (WION with inputs from PTI, ANI)

Sasikala warns Tamil Nadu Governor for delay in swearing-in, will protest from today

<p>Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao&#39;s office has denied reports that he has decided against AIADMK general secretary Sasikala forming the government in the southern state.</p>

<p>Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is currently involved in a power struggle with incumbent chief minister O Panneerselvam who says he has been forced to resign by the AIADMK general secretary.</p>

<p>&quot;Ch Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has not sent any report either to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India as reported in some of the media,&quot; the Raj Bhavan release said.<br />
<br />
A report in <a href="http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sasikala-tamil-nadu-governor-o-panneerselvam-aiadmk-crisis/1/880120.html">India Today</a>&nbsp;had claimed that the Governor, in a report to the home ministry, said it would not be prudent&nbsp;of him to wait for a clearer picture before asking Sasikala to form the government&nbsp;in view of the pending disproportionate assets case against her.</p>

<p>Excerpts from the report published by India Today state that the Governor also took note of the fact that Sasikala was not a legislator and will have to become one within six months if she is made chief minister.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-governor-favours-wait-and-watch-on-sasikala-says-no-report-sent-to-centre-1658237">NDTV quoted sources</a> as saying that the Governor would prefer to wait for a verdict in a corruption case against Sasikala, before he invites her to form a government. The verdict is expected next week.</p>

<p>The NDTV report also said that the Governor has gone through multiple court judgements and is studying provisions of the Constitution closely to help him make his decision.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam, meanwhile, refused to comment on the speculation that the Governor had decided against Sasikala.</p>

<p>&quot;Wait and see,&quot; said Panneerselvam when asked to comment on the rumours that the Governor did not want the&nbsp;AIADMK general secretary to take over as chief minister because of the pending court cases against her.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam was appointed as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu within hours of the death of his predecessor J Jayalalithaa on December 5. He was also the acting chief minister during Jayalalithaa&#39;s stay in hospital.</p>

<p>Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa, was appointed the general secretary of the AIADMK after the death of the former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister&#39;s post on February 5 citing &quot;personal reasons&quot;. Sasikala was elected the AIADMK&#39;s head in the state legislature the same day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On February 8, Panneerselvam said he had been forced to resign by Sasikala and pledged to prove his strength in the Assembly.</p>

<p>He currently has the support of five of the party&#39;s 134 legislators including that of AIADMK No 2 Madhusudhanan, who switched camps recently.</p>

<p>Sasikala has staked her claim to the government with the support of the remaining 129 legislators, most of whom are reportedly lodged in a resort in the state.&nbsp;Panneerselvam&nbsp;has alleged that some signatures were forged and that the legislators are being held in captivity.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


The Governor has gone through multiple court judgements and is studying provisions of the Constitution closely to help him make his decision

Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao's office has denied reports that he has decided against AIADMK general secretary Sasikala forming the government in the southern state. Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa is currently involved in a power struggle with incumbent chief minister O Panneerselvam who says he has been forced to resign by the AIADMK general secretary. "Ch Vidyasagar Rao, the Governor of Tamil Nadu has not sent any report either to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India as reported in some of the media," the Raj Bhavan release said. A report in India Today had claimed that the Governor, in a report to the home ministry, said it would not be prudent of him to wait for a clearer picture before asking Sasikala to form the government in view of the pending disproportionate assets case against her. Excerpts from the report published by India Today state that the Governor also took note of the fact that Sasikala was not a legislator and will have to become one within six months if she is made chief minister. NDTV quoted sources as saying that the Governor would prefer to wait for a verdict in a corruption case against Sasikala, before he invites her to form a government. The verdict is expected next week. The NDTV report also said that the Governor has gone through multiple court judgements and is studying provisions of the Constitution closely to help him make his decision. Panneerselvam, meanwhile, refused to comment on the speculation that the Governor had decided against Sasikala. "Wait and see," said Panneerselvam when asked to comment on the rumours that the Governor did not want the AIADMK general secretary to take over as chief minister because of the pending court cases against her. Panneerselvam was appointed as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu within hours of the death of his predecessor J Jayalalithaa on December 5. He was also the acting chief minister during Jayalalithaa's stay in hospital. Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa, was appointed the general secretary of the AIADMK after the death of the former chief minister and AIADMK general secretary. Panneerselvam resigned from the chief minister's post on February 5 citing "personal reasons". Sasikala was elected the AIADMK's head in the state legislature the same day. On February 8, Panneerselvam said he had been forced to resign by Sasikala and pledged to prove his strength in the Assembly. He currently has the support of five of the party's 134 legislators including that of AIADMK No 2 Madhusudhanan, who switched camps recently. Sasikala has staked her claim to the government with the support of the remaining 129 legislators, most of whom are reportedly lodged in a resort in the state. Panneerselvam has alleged that some signatures were forged and that the legislators are being held in captivity. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Sasikala vs Panneerselvam: Tamil Nadu Governor reportedly weighing options before taking decision

<p>As the power struggle within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK), the ruling party of the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu,&nbsp;continues to plague the political ambience in the region, The state&#39;s school education minister K Pandiarajan is likely to extend support to O Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>&quot;Will surely listen to the collective voice of my voters and decide in a way to uphold the dignity of Amma&#39;s memory &amp; unity of AIADMK !,&quot; he wrote on Twitter on Saturday.</p>

<p>Pandiarajan was one of the 10 ministers who had accompanied AIADM general secretary Sasikala to meet the state&#39;s governor.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, two MPs have extended support to Panneerselvam. Ashok Kumar from Krishnagiri and PR Sundaram from Namakkal have extended support to the caretaker chief minister, The Hindu reported.</p>

<p>Governor Vidyasagar Rao is still undecided on the issue as the feud in the ruling AIADMK escalated with VK Sasikala sacking party presidium chairman E Madusudanan who wrote to the Election Commission asking it to not recognise her as general secretary of the party.</p>

<p>The governor is said to be still evaluating legal opinion on Sasikala&#39;s claim to having an overwhelming support of party MLAs while the judgement of Supreme Court on disproportionate assets case against her is imminent next week.</p>

<p>Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister KA Sengottaiyan in his place.</p>

<p>On his part, Panneerselvam asserted that his camp would not allow the party to go into hands of &#39;a family&#39; and that the &quot;dream of those to capture power&quot; will end as a &quot;day dream&quot;.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Sasikala received a sigh of relief as Rao has clarified that he had not sent any report to the Home Ministry, which allegedly cited she was not qualified to stake the claim of being the chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>The office of the governor issued a press release that said, &quot;Thiru Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, the governor of Tamil Nadu, has not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India, as reported in some of the media.&quot;</p>

<p>(This story first appeared in DNA)</p>


The state's school education minister K Pandiarajan is also likely to extend support to O Panneerselvam

As the power struggle within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK), the ruling party of the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, continues to plague the political ambience in the region, The state's school education minister K Pandiarajan is likely to extend support to O Panneerselvam. "Will surely listen to the collective voice of my voters and decide in a way to uphold the dignity of Amma's memory & unity of AIADMK !," he wrote on Twitter on Saturday. Pandiarajan was one of the 10 ministers who had accompanied AIADM general secretary Sasikala to meet the state's governor. Meanwhile, two MPs have extended support to Panneerselvam. Ashok Kumar from Krishnagiri and PR Sundaram from Namakkal have extended support to the caretaker chief minister, The Hindu reported. Governor Vidyasagar Rao is still undecided on the issue as the feud in the ruling AIADMK escalated with VK Sasikala sacking party presidium chairman E Madusudanan who wrote to the Election Commission asking it to not recognise her as general secretary of the party. The governor is said to be still evaluating legal opinion on Sasikala's claim to having an overwhelming support of party MLAs while the judgement of Supreme Court on disproportionate assets case against her is imminent next week. Sending a strong message to her detractors, Sasikala sacked Madusudanan from the primary membership of the party, a day after he switched over to the rebel camp led by Panneerselvam, and appointed former minister KA Sengottaiyan in his place. On his part, Panneerselvam asserted that his camp would not allow the party to go into hands of 'a family' and that the "dream of those to capture power" will end as a "day dream". Meanwhile, Sasikala received a sigh of relief as Rao has clarified that he had not sent any report to the Home Ministry, which allegedly cited she was not qualified to stake the claim of being the chief minister of the state. The office of the governor issued a press release that said, "Thiru Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, the governor of Tamil Nadu, has not sent any report either to the Ministry of Home Affairs or to the President of India, as reported in some of the media." (This story first appeared in DNA)

India: Two AIADMK MPs back Tamil Nadu's caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam

<p>Stones were pelted at media persons allegedly by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) workers on Saturday in Chennai outside the resort where the party MLAs are lodged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Denying the rumour of MLAs being &#39;forced&#39; to stay at the resort, Tamil Nadu education minister Pandiarajan said, &quot;All AIADMK MLAs are willing to meet the Governor if he wishes to meet as well. We have not overruled any of his suggestions. Whatever has been done was after his consent, no pressure tactics.&quot;</p>

<p>He further said that the MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels, adding that they have not been forced or compelled to do anything.</p>

<p>The 11 MLAs staying at the resort addressed the media yesterday clarifying the same and dismissing all the allegations as a &#39;conspiracy&#39;. One of the MLAs said that they were not forced to stay there but were staying there so that they could immediately meet the Governor if he calls them.</p>

<p>Earlier yesterday, Tamil Nadu interim chief minister O&nbsp;Panneerselvam hit back at Sasikala for calling him a &#39;traitor&#39;, accusing the former of playing &#39;dirty tricks&#39;, adding that she instigated several ministers to give interviews to declare her as the chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Sasikala wanted to betray the party and become the chief minister, she instigated several ministers who started giving interviews that she should be CM. It is Sasikala who is doing dirty tricks to acquire the chair of chief minister. If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy,&quot; said Panneerselvam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)</p>


The incident occurred on Saturday in Chennai outside the resort where the party MLAs are lodged, according to ANI

Stones were pelted at media persons allegedly by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) workers on Saturday in Chennai outside the resort where the party MLAs are lodged. Denying the rumour of MLAs being 'forced' to stay at the resort, Tamil Nadu education minister Pandiarajan said, "All AIADMK MLAs are willing to meet the Governor if he wishes to meet as well. We have not overruled any of his suggestions. Whatever has been done was after his consent, no pressure tactics." He further said that the MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels, adding that they have not been forced or compelled to do anything. The 11 MLAs staying at the resort addressed the media yesterday clarifying the same and dismissing all the allegations as a 'conspiracy'. One of the MLAs said that they were not forced to stay there but were staying there so that they could immediately meet the Governor if he calls them. Earlier yesterday, Tamil Nadu interim chief minister O Panneerselvam hit back at Sasikala for calling him a 'traitor', accusing the former of playing 'dirty tricks', adding that she instigated several ministers to give interviews to declare her as the chief minister. "Sasikala wanted to betray the party and become the chief minister, she instigated several ministers who started giving interviews that she should be CM. It is Sasikala who is doing dirty tricks to acquire the chair of chief minister. If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy," said Panneerselvam. (ANI)

India: AIADMK workers allegedly pelt stones at media persons in Chennai

<p>India&#39;s Madras High Court on Friday asked the Tamil Nadu police to file an affidavit on AIADMK MLAs lodged at a resort near the southern state&#39;s capital of Chennai.</p>

<p>A Habeas Corpus petition&nbsp;on Thursday had alleged illegal detention of 130-odd ruling AIADMK MLAs after the Tamil Nadu government said the legislators were staying at the MLAs&#39; Hostel and &quot;free to move around&quot;.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation seeking to restrain AIADMK leader VK Sasikala from being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it decides the disproportionate assets case against her.</p>

<p>Sasikala has staked claim to form the government at a meeting with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who has not yet given any indication as to what course of action he will take.</p>

<p>Hours after caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Rao on Thursday, Sasikala called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan.The meeting with the governor lasted about 40 minutes. AIADMK claimed 131 MLAs had attended a meeting called by her in the wake of a rebellion by O Panneerselvam, who resigned as the chief minister on February 6 triggering another wave of political instability in the state.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam had called on Rao and after a brief meeting told reporters that &quot;good things will happen and dharma will triumph.&quot;</p>

<p>He currently has the support of leaders like former Ministers KP Munusamy, Natham R Viswanathan, Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan and a few sitting MLAs, besides AIADMK presidium chairman E Madusudanan, who switched sides and is now backing Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion.</p>

<p>Before O Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala claiming he was forced to resign, he had submitted his resignation to the governor on February 6 and was asked to continue in office till alternative arrangements were made.</p>

<p>Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion.</p>

<p>(This report &nbsp;first appeared in DNA)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A Habeas Corpus petition?on Thursday had alleged illegal detention of 130-odd ruling AIADMK MLAs in the wake of the ongoing political crisis

India's Madras High Court on Friday asked the Tamil Nadu police to file an affidavit on AIADMK MLAs lodged at a resort near the southern state's capital of Chennai. A Habeas Corpus petition on Thursday had alleged illegal detention of 130-odd ruling AIADMK MLAs after the Tamil Nadu government said the legislators were staying at the MLAs' Hostel and "free to move around". Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation seeking to restrain AIADMK leader VK Sasikala from being sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it decides the disproportionate assets case against her. Sasikala has staked claim to form the government at a meeting with Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who has not yet given any indication as to what course of action he will take. Hours after caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited Rao on Thursday, Sasikala called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan.The meeting with the governor lasted about 40 minutes. AIADMK claimed 131 MLAs had attended a meeting called by her in the wake of a rebellion by O Panneerselvam, who resigned as the chief minister on February 6 triggering another wave of political instability in the state. Panneerselvam had called on Rao and after a brief meeting told reporters that "good things will happen and dharma will triumph." He currently has the support of leaders like former Ministers KP Munusamy, Natham R Viswanathan, Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan and a few sitting MLAs, besides AIADMK presidium chairman E Madusudanan, who switched sides and is now backing Panneerselvam. Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion. Before O Panneerselvam revolted against Sasikala claiming he was forced to resign, he had submitted his resignation to the governor on February 6 and was asked to continue in office till alternative arrangements were made. Pannerselvam has been maintaining that he was prepared to reconsider his resignation if people and the party cadres so desired. Though Sasikala appears to have the backing of an overwhelming majority of MLAs, public support for Panneerselvam was reported to have grown following his rebellion. (This report first appeared in DNA)

India: Madras High Court asks Tamil Nadu police to file affidavit on AIADMK MLAs kept at resort

<p>The AIADMK leadership crisis continues to brew with interim chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam&nbsp;hitting out at party general secretary Sasikala declaring he will not allow the party to become a &quot;family property&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>We will not let Jayalalithaa&#39;s sacrifice&nbsp;to go waste, O Panneerselvam told reporters deepening the AIADMK leadership crisis.</p>

<p>He challenged Sasikala&#39;s leadership declaring &quot;one who is popular amongst people should become the CM&quot;.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam&#39;s reaction comes even as a section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to party general secretary V K Sasikala dismissed media reports and allegations from the Panneerselvam camp that they were being &quot;detained&quot; at a resort, and asserted that they were &quot;free&quot;.</p>

<p>V C Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of revolting chief minister O Panneerselvam, alleged that the MLAs were &quot;detained&quot; and &quot;not reachable.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained. They are legislators elected by people, so release them. Let them go and meet people,&quot; he told reporters here.</p>

<p>However, the MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala rejected the allegations.</p>

<p>&quot;We are free. We are keenly awaiting governor&#39;s invitation to Sasikala to form the&nbsp;government. We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media,&quot; Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said.</p>

<p>Some of the MLAs, including former ministers like himself, were made to stay put at one place to move swiftly in case there was a need in the wake of an invitation from the Governor, he told a TV channel.</p>

<p>Earlier, Sasikala dismissed presidium chairman E. Madhusudanan from the party for backing acting chief minister O. Panneerselvam.</p>

<p>Sasikala said in a statement that Madhusudanan had violated the party&#39;s principles and brought disrepute to it and so was being ousted from the party post and the AIADMK&#39;s primary membership.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He&#39;s an absent-minded person, he doesn&#39;t know what he&#39;s speaking now and what he&#39;ll speak later: AIADMK&#39;s Kalairajan on E Madhusudan <a href="https://t.co/m0U7OkkMvC">pic.twitter.com/m0U7OkkMvC</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/830023776775442432">February 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing on a PIL seeking to restrain AIADMK leader V K Sasikala from being sworn-in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it decides the disproportionate assets case against her.</p>

<p>&quot;Sorry. Declined,&quot; a bench comprising chief justice J S Khehar and justices N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud said when the lawyer sought urgent listing and hearing.</p>

<p>Advocate G S Mani, who is representing Chennai-resident Senthil Kumar, General Secretary of NGO Satta Panchayat Iyakkam, pleaded that the matter be heard on urgent basis.</p>
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<p>The PIL was filed on February 6 seeking a stay on the swearing-in of Sasikala as Tamil Nadu chief minister as there was speculation that she would be taking the oath the next day.</p>

<p>The petitioner has sought a restrain on her swearing-in after an apex court bench had on February 6 said that it would pronounce within a week the judgement in a 19-year-old disproportionate assets case in which Sasikala and late chief minister J Jayalalithaa were accused.</p>

<p>(WION with agency inputs)&nbsp;</p>
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Interim chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam has openly challenged Sasikala's leadership of AIADMK

The AIADMK leadership crisis continues to brew with interim chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam hitting out at party general secretary Sasikala declaring he will not allow the party to become a "family property". We will not let Jayalalithaa's sacrifice to go waste, O Panneerselvam told reporters deepening the AIADMK leadership crisis. He challenged Sasikala's leadership declaring "one who is popular amongst people should become the CM". Panneerselvam's reaction comes even as a section of AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to party general secretary V K Sasikala dismissed media reports and allegations from the Panneerselvam camp that they were being "detained" at a resort, and asserted that they were "free". V C Arukutty, MLA from Kavundampalayam in Coimbatore and a supporter of revolting chief minister O Panneerselvam, alleged that the MLAs were "detained" and "not reachable." "The MLAs are not reachable. They have been detained. They are legislators elected by people, so release them. Let them go and meet people," he told reporters here. However, the MLAs owing allegiance to Sasikala rejected the allegations. "We are free. We are keenly awaiting governor's invitation to Sasikala to form the government. We are not children to be detained or abducted as is being reported in a section of media," Perundurai MLA ND Venkadachalam said. Some of the MLAs, including former ministers like himself, were made to stay put at one place to move swiftly in case there was a need in the wake of an invitation from the Governor, he told a TV channel. Earlier, Sasikala dismissed presidium chairman E. Madhusudanan from the party for backing acting chief minister O. Panneerselvam. Sasikala said in a statement that Madhusudanan had violated the party's principles and brought disrepute to it and so was being ousted from the party post and the AIADMK's primary membership. He's an absent-minded person, he doesn't know what he's speaking now and what he'll speak later: AIADMK's Kalairajan on E Madhusudan pic.twitter.com/m0U7OkkMvC — ANI (@ANI_news) February 10, 2017 × Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refused to give an urgent hearing on a PIL seeking to restrain AIADMK leader V K Sasikala from being sworn-in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it decides the disproportionate assets case against her. "Sorry. Declined," a bench comprising chief justice J S Khehar and justices N V Ramana and D Y Chandrachud said when the lawyer sought urgent listing and hearing. Advocate G S Mani, who is representing Chennai-resident Senthil Kumar, General Secretary of NGO Satta Panchayat Iyakkam, pleaded that the matter be heard on urgent basis. The PIL was filed on February 6 seeking a stay on the swearing-in of Sasikala as Tamil Nadu chief minister as there was speculation that she would be taking the oath the next day. The petitioner has sought a restrain on her swearing-in after an apex court bench had on February 6 said that it would pronounce within a week the judgement in a 19-year-old disproportionate assets case in which Sasikala and late chief minister J Jayalalithaa were accused. (WION with agency inputs)

Will not allow AIADMK to become a family property, says Panneerselvam

<p>VK Sasikala, the general secretary of Tamil Nadu&#39;s ruling party, AIADMK, staked her claim to be the state&#39;s chief minister before Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao today, her party said. She was accompanied by five senior leaders of the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa is involved in a power struggle between her and incumbent chief minister&nbsp;O Panneerselvam for the post of chief minister.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chennai: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VKSasikala?src=hash">#VKSasikala</a> reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao. <a href="https://t.co/RdNkAIsmWI">pic.twitter.com/RdNkAIsmWI</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829689651627634694">February 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
The governor, who arrived in the Southern Indian state in the afternoon, is expected to take a decision on power tussle today itself, sources said.</p>

<p>Sasikala, who took over as AIADMK general secretary after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death in December, has the support of about 130 of the party&#39;s 135 legislators, most of whom are currently lodged in a resort in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She earlier visited the memorial of Jayalalithaa, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, including some senior ministers, prior to her meeting with Vidyasagar Rao.</p>

<p>&nbsp;O Panneerselvam, who was the first to meet the governor, said he had briefed him about the political developments in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;I briefed the governor about the political developments in the state. I want to stress that dharma (righteousness) will win,&quot; Panneerselvam told the press soon after the meeting.</p>

<p>He also claimed several AIADMK legislators have promised to join him to prevent Sasikala from taking over as chief minister. He said Sasikala had &quot;betrayed&quot;&nbsp;Jayalalithaa and was using &quot;dirty tricks&quot; to acquire the chief minister&#39;s chair.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam cited the example of top AIADMK leader E Madusudanan who crossed sides today, saying he wanted to &quot;safeguard&quot; the party. &quot;Madusudanan has come here to lead the struggle,&quot; the incumbent chief minister said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&quot;People do not like Sasikala,&quot; Madusudanan, who is considered the No. 2 in the AIADMK said.</p>

<p>&quot;Only to seek pardon (for associating with Sasikala), I have come to the side of Panneerselvam,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>AIADMK legislator V Maithreyan hailed Panneerselvam as Jayalalithaa&#39;s successor and said what began as a &quot;silent meditation&quot; had now led to an uprising.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Pandiarajan told ANI that the legislators of the Sasikala camp had been staying at their convenience at hotels and had &quot;not been forced or compelled to do anything.&quot;&nbsp;He also claimed a letter of support of 135 MLAs including Paneerselvam.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels etc, they have not been forced or compelled to do anything: TN Education Minister <a href="https://t.co/QTwCzREHbX">pic.twitter.com/QTwCzREHbX</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829629326207315968">February 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have letter of support for VK Sasikala from 135 MLAs including <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paneerselvam?src=hash">#Paneerselvam</a>, we still have that letter: TN Education Minister <a href="https://t.co/Yt5vGdp8Ir">pic.twitter.com/Yt5vGdp8Ir</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829629135932710912">February 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home minister Rajnath Singh has clarified that the federal government will not interfere in the political crisis in the state since it was the internal matter of the AIADMK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Current political scenario in Tamil Nadu is AIADMK&#39;s internal matter, Govt has nothing to do with it,&quot; Rajnath Singh told ANI.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Sasikala sacked&nbsp;former&nbsp;Puducherry&nbsp;MLA Om Sakthi Sekar from the AIADMK.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, AIADMK MPs are in the national capital to knock at the door of President Pranab Mukherjee in order to seek his intervention for bringing political stability in the state.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government also revoked the suspension of former Tamil Nadu chief secretary Ganadesikan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to the governor earlier on Sunday. His resignation was accepted by the governor, who had asked him to continue till the necessary arrangements were made.<br />
<br />
Panneerselvam later said he was forced to resign from the chief minister post by the Sasikala camp, an allegation that was later denied by the AIADMK general secretary.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>

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Incumbent chief minister Pannerselvam was the first to meet the governor who is expected to take a decision on the crisis in the state today

VK Sasikala, the general secretary of Tamil Nadu's ruling party, AIADMK, staked her claim to be the state's chief minister before Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao today, her party said. She was accompanied by five senior leaders of the AIADMK. The aide of former chief minister Jayalalithaa is involved in a power struggle between her and incumbent chief minister O Panneerselvam for the post of chief minister. Chennai: #VKSasikala reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/RdNkAIsmWI — ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017 The governor, who arrived in the Southern Indian state in the afternoon, is expected to take a decision on power tussle today itself, sources said. Sasikala, who took over as AIADMK general secretary after Jayalalithaa's death in December, has the support of about 130 of the party's 135 legislators, most of whom are currently lodged in a resort in Chennai. She earlier visited the memorial of Jayalalithaa, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, including some senior ministers, prior to her meeting with Vidyasagar Rao. O Panneerselvam, who was the first to meet the governor, said he had briefed him about the political developments in the state. "I briefed the governor about the political developments in the state. I want to stress that dharma (righteousness) will win," Panneerselvam told the press soon after the meeting. He also claimed several AIADMK legislators have promised to join him to prevent Sasikala from taking over as chief minister. He said Sasikala had "betrayed" Jayalalithaa and was using "dirty tricks" to acquire the chief minister's chair. Panneerselvam cited the example of top AIADMK leader E Madusudanan who crossed sides today, saying he wanted to "safeguard" the party. "Madusudanan has come here to lead the struggle," the incumbent chief minister said. "People do not like Sasikala," Madusudanan, who is considered the No. 2 in the AIADMK said. "Only to seek pardon (for associating with Sasikala), I have come to the side of Panneerselvam," he added. AIADMK legislator V Maithreyan hailed Panneerselvam as Jayalalithaa's successor and said what began as a "silent meditation" had now led to an uprising. Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Pandiarajan told ANI that the legislators of the Sasikala camp had been staying at their convenience at hotels and had "not been forced or compelled to do anything." He also claimed a letter of support of 135 MLAs including Paneerselvam. MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels etc, they have not been forced or compelled to do anything: TN Education Minister pic.twitter.com/QTwCzREHbX — ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017 × We have letter of support for VK Sasikala from 135 MLAs including #Paneerselvam, we still have that letter: TN Education Minister pic.twitter.com/Yt5vGdp8Ir — ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017 × Home minister Rajnath Singh has clarified that the federal government will not interfere in the political crisis in the state since it was the internal matter of the AIADMK. "Current political scenario in Tamil Nadu is AIADMK's internal matter, Govt has nothing to do with it," Rajnath Singh told ANI. Earlier in the day, Sasikala sacked former Puducherry MLA Om Sakthi Sekar from the AIADMK. Meanwhile, AIADMK MPs are in the national capital to knock at the door of President Pranab Mukherjee in order to seek his intervention for bringing political stability in the state. On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government also revoked the suspension of former Tamil Nadu chief secretary Ganadesikan. Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to the governor earlier on Sunday. His resignation was accepted by the governor, who had asked him to continue till the necessary arrangements were made. Panneerselvam later said he was forced to resign from the chief minister post by the Sasikala camp, an allegation that was later denied by the AIADMK general secretary. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu's Game of Thrones: Sasikala, Pannerselvam meet governor over political tussle

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Faced with a revolt from O Panneerselvam, AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala today sacked Panneerselvam&#39;s aide, G Ramachandran for anti-party activities.</p>

<p>Earlier, talking about Panneerselvam&#39;s &quot;revolt&quot; against her, the AIADMK general secretary said the &quot;betrayal&quot; will never win in the AIADMK and blamed arch rival DMK for trying to destabilise her from the party.</p>

<p>Sasikala hit out against former chief minister Panneerselvam, insisting that she had noticed &quot;Panneerselvam joining hands with DMK following their conversation in the Assembly,&quot; and added that she felt&nbsp;duty bound to prevent the next course of action from happening, referring to a &quot;revolt&quot;.</p>

<p>Media reports said Sasikala is set to fly to Delhi tonight to&nbsp;display her political strength by parading AIADMK MLAs before President&nbsp;Pranab Mukherjee.</p>

<p>In a dramatic turn of events early Wednesday, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) had removed Tamil Nadu&#39;s interim chief minister Panneerselvam&nbsp;as the party&#39;s treasurer&nbsp;after he revolted against Sasikala and said that he was forced to resign as chief minister of the south Indian state.</p>

<p>Addressing the media outside his residence in Chennai, he said that he will prove his strength in the Assembly and also pledged to meet&nbsp;the people of Tamil Nadu in each and every city to prove his point.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If party cadres ask me to withdraw my resignation, I will do that: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Mw14Dez5n">pic.twitter.com/6Mw14Dez5n</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829197968410570754">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will meet the Governor once he is back here: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/0i3PLwSYHU">pic.twitter.com/0i3PLwSYHU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829198977962803202">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will prove my strength in the assembly: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/5BnNdJIE5i">pic.twitter.com/5BnNdJIE5i</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829199580759785472">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will accept Deepa&#39;s (J Jayalalithaa&#39;s niece) support, if offered: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829204012348108800">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Panneerselvam has now been replaced by&nbsp;Dindigul Sreenivasan.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam, during&nbsp;a surprise visit at the burial site of the former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, had claimed&nbsp;that the state&#39;s revenue minister, RB Udhayakumar, had told him that&nbsp;Sasikala should take over as chief minister, ANI reported.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At a meeting at Sasikala&#39;s place senior party leaders were present&amp;question of her being CM came.I asked how far was this justified: TN CM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829010078061572096">February 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
Late Tuesday night, Panneerselvam made a surprise visit to Jayalalithaa&#39;s burial site at Marina beach. According to media reports, he reached the site at around 9 pm.</p>

<p>He then sat in meditation for the next 40 minutes. About half an hour later, he addressed the media gathered there, saying Amma&#39;s spirit had told him to clear the air, according to ANI.</p>

<p>Panneerselvam said, &quot;There are some truths that I want to tell to my party cadre and to the people of this country. I have performed my duty without any shortcomings and carried forward path shown by Amma. When she (Jayalalithaa) was in the hospital, she asked me to take over as Chief Minister. I was told that I have to save the party and the state. I was given the post but was then insulted continuously,&quot;<br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was given the CM post but insulted continuously: TN CM O.Panneerselvam</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829008619249102848">February 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<centre><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hazL0HxMVQg" width="560"></iframe><centre>
<p>&quot;The question of Sasikala becoming Chief Minister came up during a meeting at her place. At the time I asked how this was even justified. However, the party leaders said I have to take an initiative towards making her the Chief Minister, and that&#39;s how I was forced to tender resignation,&quot; he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon after Panneerselvam was removed from the post of AIADMK treasurer, Sasikala alleged that the main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was behind his revolt against her and also asserted that all the party MLAs were with her.</p>

<p>&quot;All the MLAs are there like a single family, so there is no problem,&quot; she told reporters at a crowded press meet.</p>

<p>Asked if Panneerselvam&nbsp;would also be removed from AIADMK&#39;s primary membership, she asserted, &quot;for sure, we will do it&quot;.</p>

<p>However, DMK Organisation Secretary&nbsp;TKS Elangovan said they were not behind Panneerselvam&#39;s revolt.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How can DMK be behind it? How can they blame us for their in-fight? Nothing new in AIADMK: TKS Elangovan, DMK <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPanneerselvam?src=hash">#OPanneerselvam</a> <a href="https://t.co/HO9aN4uEkR">pic.twitter.com/HO9aN4uEkR</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829172151831900160">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam too rubbished her claims that DMK&nbsp;was behind his moves. He said, &quot;Only humans can laugh and smiling at people cannot be a crime.&quot;</p>

<p>He also added that nobody had the right to remove him from the post of treasurer. &quot;No one has the right to remove me from the post of treasurer which was given to me by Amma 10 years ago.&quot;</p>

<p>Panneerselvam has also alleged that during Jayalalithaa&#39;s final days, he couldn&#39;t meet her even once.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Had visited hospital daily to enquire about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalithaa?src=hash">#Jayalalithaa</a>&#39;s health condition, but couldn&#39;t meet her even once: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPannerselvam?src=hash">#OPannerselvam</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829167009136979970">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Reactions</strong></p>

<p>Congress leader Karti Chidambaram told ANI that after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death, the Assembly should have been dissolved.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mandate was fr Jayalalithaa,as she passed away right thng for AIADMK should&#39;ve been to dissolve assembly fr elections-Karti Chidambaram,Cong <a href="https://t.co/w4WL2YZQBD">pic.twitter.com/w4WL2YZQBD</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/828965840372408320">February 7, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Assembly must be dissolved n elections must be called for immediately. <a href="https://t.co/fzNQ6hog9r">https://t.co/fzNQ6hog9r</a></p>
&mdash; Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KartiPC/status/829146358711922691">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>BJP leader Subramanian Swamy told ANI that Sasikala&#39;s swearing-in should not be delayed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SasikalaNatarajan?src=hash">#SasikalaNatarajan</a> should be sworn-in as CM;If delayed it&rsquo;ll be violence against Constitution;President must intervene-Subramanian Swamy,BJP <a href="https://t.co/gbOlDA84y3">pic.twitter.com/gbOlDA84y3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/829186273441099776">February 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>
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AIADMK general secretary Sasikala had earlier removed Panneerselvam as party's treasurer for 'revolting' against her

Faced with a revolt from O Panneerselvam, AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala today sacked Panneerselvam's aide, G Ramachandran for anti-party activities. Earlier, talking about Panneerselvam's "revolt" against her, the AIADMK general secretary said the "betrayal" will never win in the AIADMK and blamed arch rival DMK for trying to destabilise her from the party. Sasikala hit out against former chief minister Panneerselvam, insisting that she had noticed "Panneerselvam joining hands with DMK following their conversation in the Assembly," and added that she felt duty bound to prevent the next course of action from happening, referring to a "revolt". Media reports said Sasikala is set to fly to Delhi tonight to display her political strength by parading AIADMK MLAs before President Pranab Mukherjee. In a dramatic turn of events early Wednesday, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) had removed Tamil Nadu's interim chief minister Panneerselvam as the party's treasurer after he revolted against Sasikala and said that he was forced to resign as chief minister of the south Indian state. Addressing the media outside his residence in Chennai, he said that he will prove his strength in the Assembly and also pledged to meet the people of Tamil Nadu in each and every city to prove his point. If party cadres ask me to withdraw my resignation, I will do that: #OPanneerselvam pic.twitter.com/6Mw14Dez5n — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × I will meet the Governor once he is back here: #OPanneerselvam in Chennai pic.twitter.com/0i3PLwSYHU — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × I will prove my strength in the assembly: #OPanneerselvam in Chennai pic.twitter.com/5BnNdJIE5i — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × I will accept Deepa's (J Jayalalithaa's niece) support, if offered: #OPanneerselvam — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × Panneerselvam has now been replaced by Dindigul Sreenivasan. Panneerselvam, during a surprise visit at the burial site of the former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, had claimed that the state's revenue minister, RB Udhayakumar, had told him that Sasikala should take over as chief minister, ANI reported. At a meeting at Sasikala's place senior party leaders were present&question of her being CM came.I asked how far was this justified: TN CM — ANI (@ANI_news) February 7, 2017 × Late Tuesday night, Panneerselvam made a surprise visit to Jayalalithaa's burial site at Marina beach. According to media reports, he reached the site at around 9 pm. He then sat in meditation for the next 40 minutes. About half an hour later, he addressed the media gathered there, saying Amma's spirit had told him to clear the air, according to ANI. Panneerselvam said, "There are some truths that I want to tell to my party cadre and to the people of this country. I have performed my duty without any shortcomings and carried forward path shown by Amma. When she (Jayalalithaa) was in the hospital, she asked me to take over as Chief Minister. I was told that I have to save the party and the state. I was given the post but was then insulted continuously," I was given the CM post but insulted continuously: TN CM O.Panneerselvam — ANI (@ANI_news) February 7, 2017 × "The question of Sasikala becoming Chief Minister came up during a meeting at her place. At the time I asked how this was even justified. However, the party leaders said I have to take an initiative towards making her the Chief Minister, and that's how I was forced to tender resignation," he added. Soon after Panneerselvam was removed from the post of AIADMK treasurer, Sasikala alleged that the main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was behind his revolt against her and also asserted that all the party MLAs were with her. "All the MLAs are there like a single family, so there is no problem," she told reporters at a crowded press meet. Asked if Panneerselvam would also be removed from AIADMK's primary membership, she asserted, "for sure, we will do it". However, DMK Organisation Secretary TKS Elangovan said they were not behind Panneerselvam's revolt. How can DMK be behind it? How can they blame us for their in-fight? Nothing new in AIADMK: TKS Elangovan, DMK #OPanneerselvam pic.twitter.com/HO9aN4uEkR — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × Panneerselvam too rubbished her claims that DMK was behind his moves. He said, "Only humans can laugh and smiling at people cannot be a crime." He also added that nobody had the right to remove him from the post of treasurer. "No one has the right to remove me from the post of treasurer which was given to me by Amma 10 years ago." Panneerselvam has also alleged that during Jayalalithaa's final days, he couldn't meet her even once. Had visited hospital daily to enquire about #Jayalalithaa's health condition, but couldn't meet her even once: #OPannerselvam — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × Reactions Congress leader Karti Chidambaram told ANI that after Jayalalithaa's death, the Assembly should have been dissolved. Mandate was fr Jayalalithaa,as she passed away right thng for AIADMK should've been to dissolve assembly fr elections-Karti Chidambaram,Cong pic.twitter.com/w4WL2YZQBD — ANI (@ANI_news) February 7, 2017 × Assembly must be dissolved n elections must be called for immediately. https://t.co/fzNQ6hog9r — Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) February 8, 2017 × BJP leader Subramanian Swamy told ANI that Sasikala's swearing-in should not be delayed. #SasikalaNatarajan should be sworn-in as CM;If delayed it’ll be violence against Constitution;President must intervene-Subramanian Swamy,BJP pic.twitter.com/gbOlDA84y3 — ANI (@ANI_news) February 8, 2017 × (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Sasikala sacks Panneerselvam's aide Ramachandran for anti-party activities

<p>The AIADMK announced on Sunday that VK Sasikala would take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on February 9. Sasikala, also known as Chinnamma, was elected the legislative party head by the AIADMK after a meeting with cabinet ministers and senior party leaders on Sunday.</p>

<p>Sasikala&#39;s name for the post of leader of AIADMK legislature party leader was also proposed by O Panneerselvam, the party said.</p>

<p>Many took to social media to express their dissent and anger upon her appointment.</p>

<p>Rapper-activist Sofia Ashraf and her crew went to Poes Garden, home to late chief minister Jayalalithaa, late on Sunday night and sang angrily, expressing their displeasure&nbsp;on the latest appointment to the Tamil Nadu chief minister&#39;s office. The video was live streamed on Facebook.</p>

<p>&quot;The main lyrics in the song is &#39;those who were not elected need not become ministers&#39;. And that&#39;s the sentiment most Tamilians have now. Democracy, as we know is dead. How can someone not elected by people become chief minister? It may be all legal, but it isn&#39;t right. People can&#39;t suddenly pop up and say we will be the CM,&quot; Sofia told The News Minute.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j9-7LccpVxY" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It seemed like nothing was in our control. Felt angry and upset,&quot; Ashraf added.</p>

<p>Congress leader and former finance minister P&nbsp;Chidambaram has also questioned AIADMK&#39;s latest move. In a series of tweets, he raised doubts about Sasikala&#39;s ability to take over as chief minister of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is the right of AIADMK MLAs to elect their leader. It is the right of the people to ask if the leader deserves to be CM</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/828420702936133632">February 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Looking back with pride, TN CM chair was occupied by Kamaraj and Anna. AIADMK and PEOPLE OF TAMILNADU are now moving in opposite directions.</p>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/828421131694637056">February 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sasikala is expected to be sworn in as chief minister of the state on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the swearing-in of Sasikala on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu has on three occasions in the past witnessed persons not elected to the assembly being sworn in as chief minister -- CN Annadurai in 1967, VN Janaki (MGR&#39;s widow) in 1987 and Jayalalithaa in 2001. Of them, Janaki had to quit office within 24 days having lost the confidence of the House. Sasikala&#39;s proposed swearing-in will be the third such event since May 2016 when Jayalalithaa retained power.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Ashraf and her crew sang angrily, expressing their displeasure on the latest appointment to the Tamil Nadu chief minister's office

The AIADMK announced on Sunday that VK Sasikala would take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu on February 9. Sasikala, also known as Chinnamma, was elected the legislative party head by the AIADMK after a meeting with cabinet ministers and senior party leaders on Sunday. Sasikala's name for the post of leader of AIADMK legislature party leader was also proposed by O Panneerselvam, the party said. Many took to social media to express their dissent and anger upon her appointment. Rapper-activist Sofia Ashraf and her crew went to Poes Garden, home to late chief minister Jayalalithaa, late on Sunday night and sang angrily, expressing their displeasure on the latest appointment to the Tamil Nadu chief minister's office. The video was live streamed on Facebook. "The main lyrics in the song is 'those who were not elected need not become ministers'. And that's the sentiment most Tamilians have now. Democracy, as we know is dead. How can someone not elected by people become chief minister? It may be all legal, but it isn't right. People can't suddenly pop up and say we will be the CM," Sofia told The News Minute. "It seemed like nothing was in our control. Felt angry and upset," Ashraf added. Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram has also questioned AIADMK's latest move. In a series of tweets, he raised doubts about Sasikala's ability to take over as chief minister of Tamil Nadu. It is the right of AIADMK MLAs to elect their leader. It is the right of the people to ask if the leader deserves to be CM — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) February 6, 2017 × Looking back with pride, TN CM chair was occupied by Kamaraj and Anna. AIADMK and PEOPLE OF TAMILNADU are now moving in opposite directions. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) February 6, 2017 × Sasikala is expected to be sworn in as chief minister of the state on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the swearing-in of Sasikala on Tuesday. Tamil Nadu has on three occasions in the past witnessed persons not elected to the assembly being sworn in as chief minister -- CN Annadurai in 1967, VN Janaki (MGR's widow) in 1987 and Jayalalithaa in 2001. Of them, Janaki had to quit office within 24 days having lost the confidence of the House. Sasikala's proposed swearing-in will be the third such event since May 2016 when Jayalalithaa retained power. (WION)

Sasikala as Tamil Nadu CM: Rapper Sofia Ashraf's musical dissent

<p>Refraining to comment on&nbsp;AIADMK&nbsp;general secretary Sasikala Natarajan&#39;s appointment as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, the Congress on Monday said they will have to wait for some time to know what the voters think of the change in the state leadership.</p>

<p>&quot;As the president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee S Thirunavukkarasar said, it is their choice and their selection. It is other party&#39;s internal problem. Chief minister O Panneerselvam proposed Sasikala&#39;s candidature for the chief minister post and it was seconded by all the ministers and MLAs. So, we cannot comment on that,&quot; Congress leader Hidayathulla told ANI.</p>

<p>&quot;And we&#39;ll have to wait for some time to know what the voters of Tamil Nadu are thinking about this,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Sasikala, J Jayalalithaa&#39;s closest aide since the 1980s, had handled party affairs on several occasions despite not holding any formal position in the AIADMK prior to the former chief minister&#39;s death.</p>

<p>She is called Chinnamma, meaning aunt, taking after Jayalalithaa -- who was popularly known among her legions of supporters as Amma (or mother). Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sasikala has vowed to work for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu and 'follow the principles of Amma'

Refraining to comment on AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan's appointment as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, the Congress on Monday said they will have to wait for some time to know what the voters think of the change in the state leadership. "As the president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee S Thirunavukkarasar said, it is their choice and their selection. It is other party's internal problem. Chief minister O Panneerselvam proposed Sasikala's candidature for the chief minister post and it was seconded by all the ministers and MLAs. So, we cannot comment on that," Congress leader Hidayathulla told ANI. "And we'll have to wait for some time to know what the voters of Tamil Nadu are thinking about this," he added. AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Sasikala, J Jayalalithaa's closest aide since the 1980s, had handled party affairs on several occasions despite not holding any formal position in the AIADMK prior to the former chief minister's death. She is called Chinnamma, meaning aunt, taking after Jayalalithaa -- who was popularly known among her legions of supporters as Amma (or mother). Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa. (ANI)

Will have to wait to know what voters think: Congress on Sasikala as Tamil Nadu CM

<p>A Public interest litigation(PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to restrain swearing-in of AIADMK leader VK Sasikala as Tamil Nadu chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Madras University Auditorium, which had earlier hosted the swearing-in of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, was being reportedly spruced up for the occasion, while apparently awaiting the court directive. A senior AIADMK source told PTI that&nbsp;all arrangements were in place in the event of the ceremony taking place tomorrow.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has&nbsp;asked the Karnataka government to wait for one week for the verdict on batch of pleas challenging the acquittal of the late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa in a disproportionate assets case, also involving AIADMK leader V K Sasikala.</p>

<p>A bench headed by Justice P C Ghose asked senior advocate Dushyant Dave to wait for one week after he made a mention before it regarding the delay in pronouncement of the verdict.</p>

<p>Dave said that they have been waiting for the judgement for quite some time and requested the bench to pronounce it soon.&nbsp;The apex court had last year, before the demise of Jayalalithaa, reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the order of her acquittal of the Karnataka High Court.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-vk-sasikala-12063">Sasikala, a shadow of Jayalalithaa</a> for nearly three decades, is set to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK legislature party yesterday elected her as its leader, over a month after she became the party&#39;s powerful General Secretary.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<centre><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4UrDlvehCc" width="560"></iframe><centre></centre></centre></p>

<p>(PTI)&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The development comes a day after Sasikala was elected as the AIADMK leader and is now set to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu

A Public interest litigation(PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to restrain swearing-in of AIADMK leader VK Sasikala as Tamil Nadu chief minister. However, the Madras University Auditorium, which had earlier hosted the swearing-in of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, was being reportedly spruced up for the occasion, while apparently awaiting the court directive. A senior AIADMK source told PTI that all arrangements were in place in the event of the ceremony taking place tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked the Karnataka government to wait for one week for the verdict on batch of pleas challenging the acquittal of the late Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa in a disproportionate assets case, also involving AIADMK leader V K Sasikala. A bench headed by Justice P C Ghose asked senior advocate Dushyant Dave to wait for one week after he made a mention before it regarding the delay in pronouncement of the verdict. Dave said that they have been waiting for the judgement for quite some time and requested the bench to pronounce it soon. The apex court had last year, before the demise of Jayalalithaa, reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the order of her acquittal of the Karnataka High Court. Sasikala, a shadow of Jayalalithaa for nearly three decades, is set to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu as the AIADMK legislature party yesterday elected her as its leader, over a month after she became the party's powerful General Secretary. (PTI)

PIL filed in Supreme Court against Sasikala's swearing-in as Tamil Nadu chief minister

<p>The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its lack of transparency in latter&#39;s office affairs in relation to Sasikala Natrajan&#39;s appointment as the legislative party leader of the AIADMK.</p>

<p>The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results. &quot;We have always pointed out there is no transparency in how the affairs of the AIADMK are functioning. Right from the hospital association of the chief minister or yesterday&#39;s incident on how the resignation letters were sought from top advisors of the government. Everything is shrouded in mystery,&quot; DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told ANI.</p>

<p>He further asserted that there is nothing new or shocking about the quick development as the AIADMK has always worked in mysterious ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beaming with confidence in his leader MK Stalin and the DMK&#39;s history of defeating the AIADMK on many accounts he said, &quot;Ever since our leader MK Stalin took charge as our working president and especially as the opposition leader, he has been commended a lot for his dignified politics, courteous manner and how he brought back lot of bonhomie into politics. He is gaining appreciation. That will definitely guide us to victory in whatever we face,&quot; Sarvanan said.</p>

<p>He added that the DMK has seen a lot of famous political leaders in the opposition and has fought and won fair and square. &quot;Be it the case of great leader Ram Raj, Raja ji or MGR all of them we have fought them and we have won them, so there is nothing for us to&nbsp;fear, we have the faith in people, we have the faith in our ideologies and policies, and the way we have implemented our policies for the development of Tamil Nadu,&quot; Sarvanan said.</p>

<p>AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative party leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Incumbent chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala Natarajan) as the AIADMK legislative party leader.</p>

<p>Speculations were rife that party general secretary Sasikala would be chosen as the new legislative party leader -- paving the way for her to assume the chief minister&#39;s mantle. Though many party leaders favour such a move, a few believe Panneerselvam should be retained because he is doing a good job at the helm of affairs.</p>

<p>Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa and AIADMK leader KC Palaniswamy complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Sasikala&#39;s appointment as the party&#39;s interim general secretary was carried out in an undemocratic manner. The Election Commission then issued a notice to the AIADMK, seeking clarifications in this regard.</p>

<p>Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Monday slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its lack of transparency in latter's office affairs in relation to Sasikala Natrajan's appointment as the legislative party leader of the AIADMK. The DMK also expressed its confidence in its party leader MK Stalin for facing the AIADMK in the elections and yielding great results. "We have always pointed out there is no transparency in how the affairs of the AIADMK are functioning. Right from the hospital association of the chief minister or yesterday's incident on how the resignation letters were sought from top advisors of the government. Everything is shrouded in mystery," DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told ANI. He further asserted that there is nothing new or shocking about the quick development as the AIADMK has always worked in mysterious ways. Beaming with confidence in his leader MK Stalin and the DMK's history of defeating the AIADMK on many accounts he said, "Ever since our leader MK Stalin took charge as our working president and especially as the opposition leader, he has been commended a lot for his dignified politics, courteous manner and how he brought back lot of bonhomie into politics. He is gaining appreciation. That will definitely guide us to victory in whatever we face," Sarvanan said. He added that the DMK has seen a lot of famous political leaders in the opposition and has fought and won fair and square. "Be it the case of great leader Ram Raj, Raja ji or MGR all of them we have fought them and we have won them, so there is nothing for us to fear, we have the faith in people, we have the faith in our ideologies and policies, and the way we have implemented our policies for the development of Tamil Nadu," Sarvanan said. AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan on Sunday was elected as the legislative party leader of the party and with this, she is all set to take over as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Incumbent chief minister of Tamil Nadu O Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma (Sasikala Natarajan) as the AIADMK legislative party leader. Speculations were rife that party general secretary Sasikala would be chosen as the new legislative party leader -- paving the way for her to assume the chief minister's mantle. Though many party leaders favour such a move, a few believe Panneerselvam should be retained because he is doing a good job at the helm of affairs. Earlier, Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa and AIADMK leader KC Palaniswamy complained to the Election Commission (EC) that Sasikala's appointment as the party's interim general secretary was carried out in an undemocratic manner. The Election Commission then issued a notice to the AIADMK, seeking clarifications in this regard. Sasikala will be the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa. (ANI)

Sasikala as Tamil Nadu CM: DMK slams AIADMK for lack of transparency

<p>Instituting a veiled attack on the leadership of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramaniam Swamy on Sunday said it would be awkward if AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala goes on to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, citing her involvement in the disproportionate assets case.</p>

<p>&quot;There was no bar to Sasikala becoming the chief minister but, the practical questions are there. There&#39;s my case in the Supreme Court regarding the disproportionate assets. She&#39;s also party to it. She is also one of the accused. So, it will be awkward if she becomes the chief minister,&quot; he told ANI.</p>

<p>&quot;Moreover, before she fights by-elections, the Supreme Court judgement will come. So, going by the reports that she is not going to stake a claim to become the chief minister, I think, it&#39;s a wise move. This is because as it is she is a very powerful person as far as the general secretary-ship of the party is concerned,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, a meeting of party MLAs to be chaired by Sasikala on Sunday triggered speculations that she was set to replace chief minister O Panneerselvam as the leader of the party. Senior leaders of the AIADMK, however, dismissed rumours of any imminent change in the party leadership and said the meeting was to facilitate better communication between the MLAs and the government.</p>

<p>Swamy also attacked chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian for presenting a survey that showed that Indian economy is in a bad shape, which he begs to differ with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;They are still depending on the National Sample Survey for estimates. The economic survey has painted a very gloomy picture. I have made a strong objection against Aravind Subramaniam taking out such a report because the picture is not as gloomy as the Economic Survey is making it out to be,&quot; Swamy told ANI.</p>

<p>The senior leader also commented on the Chennai oil spill that has been plaguing the state for days now. &quot;It&#39;s a shocking thing as the initial statement was that there was no oil spill. And it is huge. So, there are matters that need to be explained. How did the accident happen? Was it negligence? What should be done that it doesn&#39;t happen again?&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Two vessels namely, MT BW MAPLE and MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, while crossing each other collided on January 28 outside the Kamrajar harbour along the Chennai-Ennore coastline. The Oil Tanker, MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, which was carrying 32813 Tonnes of POL, suffered a rupture which led to engine oil spill.</p>

<p>A massive clean-up operation was launched in Tiruvallur, Chennai and Kancheepuram Districts by engaging more than 2,000 persons at various sites including Ernavur, Chennai Fishing Harbour, Marine Beach, Besant Nagar, Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai and Injambakkam beaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(ANI)&nbsp;</p>


The MP said while there was no bar to her becoming the CM, her involvement in the disproportionate assets case would make it awkward

Instituting a veiled attack on the leadership of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramaniam Swamy on Sunday said it would be awkward if AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala goes on to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, citing her involvement in the disproportionate assets case. "There was no bar to Sasikala becoming the chief minister but, the practical questions are there. There's my case in the Supreme Court regarding the disproportionate assets. She's also party to it. She is also one of the accused. So, it will be awkward if she becomes the chief minister," he told ANI. "Moreover, before she fights by-elections, the Supreme Court judgement will come. So, going by the reports that she is not going to stake a claim to become the chief minister, I think, it's a wise move. This is because as it is she is a very powerful person as far as the general secretary-ship of the party is concerned," he added. Earlier, a meeting of party MLAs to be chaired by Sasikala on Sunday triggered speculations that she was set to replace chief minister O Panneerselvam as the leader of the party. Senior leaders of the AIADMK, however, dismissed rumours of any imminent change in the party leadership and said the meeting was to facilitate better communication between the MLAs and the government. Swamy also attacked chief economic advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian for presenting a survey that showed that Indian economy is in a bad shape, which he begs to differ with. "They are still depending on the National Sample Survey for estimates. The economic survey has painted a very gloomy picture. I have made a strong objection against Aravind Subramaniam taking out such a report because the picture is not as gloomy as the Economic Survey is making it out to be," Swamy told ANI. The senior leader also commented on the Chennai oil spill that has been plaguing the state for days now. "It's a shocking thing as the initial statement was that there was no oil spill. And it is huge. So, there are matters that need to be explained. How did the accident happen? Was it negligence? What should be done that it doesn't happen again?" he said. Two vessels namely, MT BW MAPLE and MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, while crossing each other collided on January 28 outside the Kamrajar harbour along the Chennai-Ennore coastline. The Oil Tanker, MT DAWN KANCHIPURAM, which was carrying 32813 Tonnes of POL, suffered a rupture which led to engine oil spill. A massive clean-up operation was launched in Tiruvallur, Chennai and Kancheepuram Districts by engaging more than 2,000 persons at various sites including Ernavur, Chennai Fishing Harbour, Marine Beach, Besant Nagar, Kottivakkam, Palavakkam, Neelankarai and Injambakkam beaches. (ANI)

It'd be awkward if Sasikala becomes Tamil Nadu CM: Swamy

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<p>O Panneerselvam, who was appointed Tamil Nadu chief minister after the death of former CM Jayalalithaa, resigned today (February 5). AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan is all set to take over as the chief minister (CM), the party announced on Twitter. Sasikala was elected the legislative party head by the AIADMK after a meeting with cabinet ministers and senior party leaders today.</p>

<p>Sasikala, who has no previous record of holding public office, flashed the victory sign as she emerged at the balcony of the party headquarters after being elected legislative party head. She also vowed to work for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu and &quot;follow the principles of Amma&quot;, as Jayalalithaa was fondly addressed by her supporters.</p>

<p>Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa and addressed as&nbsp;Chinnamma (little mother), said Paneerselvam had asked her to take charge as AIADMK chief after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death in December last year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chinnamma all set to become the Next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/828174837147328513">February 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It was Thiru.O. Paneerselvam who insisted first,that I become the Chief Minister of the State - Chinnamma.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/828182261564477440">February 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu Government will follow the principles of Amma - Chinnamma</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/828182538694782978">February 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sasikala&#39;s&nbsp;name for the post of leader of AIADMK legislature party leader was also proposed by Panneerselvam, the party stated.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma as the leader of AIADMK Legislature Party Leader.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/828173880837541890">February 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma as the leader of AIADMK Legislature Party Leader.</p>
&mdash; AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AIADMKOfficial/status/828173880837541890">February 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Media reports had earlier said Sasikala would be appointed chief minister on February 8 or 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jayalalithaa also held the posts of chief minister and party general secretary, allowing her to wield complete control on the government and the party.</p>

<p>When Jayalalithaa was at the helm, Sasikala was considered to hold considerable influence behind the scenes even though she did not hold any formal position in the party.</p>

<p>The death of Jayalalithaa, three-time chief minister, on December 5, had sparked a mass outpouring of grief across Tamil Nadu, plunging the state into political uncertainty.</p>

<p><br />
<b>DMK slams Sasikala&#39;s elevation to chief minister</b></p>

<p>&quot;The people of Tamil Nadu did not vote for anyone from Jayalalithaa&#39;s household to become CM,&quot; opposition leader MK Stalin said on Twitter, referring to her political inexperience.<br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash">#TamilNadu</a> did not vote for anyone from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jayalalithaa?src=hash">#Jayalalithaa</a>&#39;s household to become CM: DMK Working President <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin">@mkstalin</a> to PTI.</p>
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/828111246109073408">February 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
The 63-year-old leader, who was made the working president of DMK last month, is worried about divisions in the ruling AIADMK after the death of Jayalalithaa and keen that it should not affect the functioning of the administration.</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Sasikala&nbsp;appointed senior leaders, including some former ministers and a former Mayor, to key party posts on February 3.</p>

<p>Reversing the appointments made by Jayalalithaa, three top bureaucrats of the state government were also asked to resign by the Chief Minister&#39;s Office the same day.</p>

<p>Three bureaucrats considered close to Jayalalithaa -- Sheela Balakrishnan, KN Venkataramanan and Ramalinga -- were asked to put in their papers by Panneerselvam on Sasikala&#39;s instructions, a <a href="http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/wave-change-tn-govt-jayas-trusted-advisor-sheela-balakrishnan-and-others-shown-door-56750">News Minute</a> report claimed.</p>

<p>Sheela Balakrishnan was considered Jayalalithaa&#39;s &quot;eyes and ears&quot; and was reportedly running the government while she was hospitalised. She was also the point person between O Panneerselvam, the then Deputy Chief Minister, and Jayalalithaa<br />
<br />
Tamil Nadu&#39;s opposition party, the DMK, has questioned the ruling party for unceremoniously dumping O Panneerselvam, Jayalalithaa&#39;s choice for temporary CM following her arrest in the disproportionate assets case.</p>

<p>An AIADMK member and former MP, KC Palaniswamy has also written to the Election Commission to conduct elections for the post of party general secretary again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission has, meanwhile, &nbsp;sought the AIADMK&#39;s response to a complaint filed by sacked leader Sasikala Pushpa against the election of Sasikala as AIADM general secretary, claiming that the election was not as per procedure.</p>

<p><br />
(WION)</p>


AIADMK MLAs today elected Sasikala Natarajan as the legislative party head, the party announced

O Panneerselvam, who was appointed Tamil Nadu chief minister after the death of former CM Jayalalithaa, resigned today (February 5). AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan is all set to take over as the chief minister (CM), the party announced on Twitter. Sasikala was elected the legislative party head by the AIADMK after a meeting with cabinet ministers and senior party leaders today. Sasikala, who has no previous record of holding public office, flashed the victory sign as she emerged at the balcony of the party headquarters after being elected legislative party head. She also vowed to work for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu and "follow the principles of Amma", as Jayalalithaa was fondly addressed by her supporters. Sasikala, a close aide of Jayalalithaa and addressed as Chinnamma (little mother), said Paneerselvam had asked her to take charge as AIADMK chief after Jayalalithaa's death in December last year. Chinnamma all set to become the Next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 5, 2017 × It was Thiru.O. Paneerselvam who insisted first,that I become the Chief Minister of the State - Chinnamma. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 5, 2017 × Tamil Nadu Government will follow the principles of Amma - Chinnamma — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 5, 2017 × Sasikala's name for the post of leader of AIADMK legislature party leader was also proposed by Panneerselvam, the party stated. Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma as the leader of AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 5, 2017 × Honourable CM Thiru.O.Panneerselvam proposed the name of Chinnamma as the leader of AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. — AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 5, 2017 × Media reports had earlier said Sasikala would be appointed chief minister on February 8 or 9. Jayalalithaa also held the posts of chief minister and party general secretary, allowing her to wield complete control on the government and the party. When Jayalalithaa was at the helm, Sasikala was considered to hold considerable influence behind the scenes even though she did not hold any formal position in the party. The death of Jayalalithaa, three-time chief minister, on December 5, had sparked a mass outpouring of grief across Tamil Nadu, plunging the state into political uncertainty. DMK slams Sasikala's elevation to chief minister "The people of Tamil Nadu did not vote for anyone from Jayalalithaa's household to become CM," opposition leader MK Stalin said on Twitter, referring to her political inexperience. People of #TamilNadu did not vote for anyone from #Jayalalithaa's household to become CM: DMK Working President @mkstalin to PTI. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 5, 2017 × The 63-year-old leader, who was made the working president of DMK last month, is worried about divisions in the ruling AIADMK after the death of Jayalalithaa and keen that it should not affect the functioning of the administration. Sasikala appointed senior leaders, including some former ministers and a former Mayor, to key party posts on February 3. Reversing the appointments made by Jayalalithaa, three top bureaucrats of the state government were also asked to resign by the Chief Minister's Office the same day. Three bureaucrats considered close to Jayalalithaa -- Sheela Balakrishnan, KN Venkataramanan and Ramalinga -- were asked to put in their papers by Panneerselvam on Sasikala's instructions, a News Minute report claimed. Sheela Balakrishnan was considered Jayalalithaa's "eyes and ears" and was reportedly running the government while she was hospitalised. She was also the point person between O Panneerselvam, the then Deputy Chief Minister, and Jayalalithaa Tamil Nadu's opposition party, the DMK, has questioned the ruling party for unceremoniously dumping O Panneerselvam, Jayalalithaa's choice for temporary CM following her arrest in the disproportionate assets case. An AIADMK member and former MP, KC Palaniswamy has also written to the Election Commission to conduct elections for the post of party general secretary again. The Election Commission has, meanwhile, sought the AIADMK's response to a complaint filed by sacked leader Sasikala Pushpa against the election of Sasikala as AIADM general secretary, claiming that the election was not as per procedure. (WION)

Sasikala set to take over as Tamil Nadu chief minister, Panneerselvam resigns

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