CHENNAI: Caretaker Chief Minister O Paneerselvam on Tuesday got a big shot in the arm after Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa joined his camp. This was in addition to two more lawmakers switching sides, taking the rebel MLAs’ count to nine.
Supporters outside the house located at Greenways Road from morning erupted in ecstasy when the message of general secretary V K Sasikala’s conviction appeared on a mega LED screen. Shortly after the verdict, the CM appeared before his supporters along with two new MLAs, S Semmalai and O K Chinnaraju, who jumped sides.
Besides, the CM and his core team had a two-and-a-half hour meeting with new Inspector General of Intelligence Davidson Devasirvatham.
They were believed to have discussed the law and order situation and security measures in view of the verdict.
Meanwhile, buoyed by the SC verdict, the OPS camp devised a strategy to move into the private resort in Kuvathoor to ‘rescue and retrieve’ the legislators detained by Sasikala.
Led by Minister for School Education Ma Foi K Pandiarajan, rebel MLAs and MPs along with a large number of party leaders and cadre proceeded towards Kuvathoor in cars.
However, they were blocked near Covelong by the police who turned them back saying they cannot be allowed since section 144 (prohibitory orders) had been clamped in Kuvathoor.
The rebel group had to give up their operation and return. However, sources said it was a tactical retreat given the day’s developments.
Meanwhile two key figures in the rebel camp Manoj K Pandian (former MP) and sitting Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan, rushed to Raj Bhavan in the evening following a meeting Edapadi K Palanisamy – who replaced Sasikala as the group’s legislature party leader – had with the Governor where he staked his claim to for the new government. Later at night, Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa marked her political debut by joining the rebel camp.