CHENNAI: After seeking audience with the governor to parade party MLAs in a display of support, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala is now holding talks with the MLAs accommodated at a resort outside Chennai.
There is a sense of desperation in the Sasikala camp, especially after the governor’s report – or non-report, if you may, as the Raj Bhavan denied sending it – surfaced last night at prime time news.
Outside the resort, there are a few police personnel and several bouncers keeping the media far away. However, preventing the local villagers from passing through the public road in front of the resort has led to protests.
With Sasikala unable to break the resistance to making her the chief minister despite securing support from party MLAs, there are several names that are reportedly under consideration as a replacement.
Senior leader KA Sengottaiyan, the presidium chairman of the party since yesterday, is said to be frontrunner. Stepping aside for a loyalist would take the fire off from Sasikala, and will rob the single reason around which rebel leader Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has built his insurgency against the leadership.
This would also remove any concerns that Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao may have about the stability of the government.
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AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala to meet AIADMK MLAs