CHENNAI: Assuming leadership of the AIADMK, party general secretary V K Sasikala delivered her first-ever public speech on Saturday, seeking to answer critics and send out a strong message to the cadre that the party and government would tread its future journey firmly in accordance with the legacy of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Party sources said that in the coming days, she was planning to meet the grassroot-level functionaries and cadre of the party. “I wish to convey one thing firmly. Let us lead our public life on a holy path, which would make those who criticise us today follow us tomorrow. Let us thwart the evil designs of those who desire to crush the AIADMK in the backdrop of the demise of our leader. If we stand together and march forward, the future is ours,” Sasikala said in a firm voice.
Noting that she was 62 now, Sasikala said she had spent the best part of her life looking after Jayalalithaa’s day-to-day needs and party affairs. She added, “I dedicate the rest of my life for the sake of the AIADMK, its cadre and the growth of Tamil Nadu.” When, with tears rolling down her cheek, Sasikala said she felt like an orphan after Jayalalithaa’s death, the functionaries raised their voices, saying, “We and the cadre are here to support you.”
“The AIADMK is a people’s movement and the government is a people’s government. Our journey will be on the path shown by her. Arignar Anna, MGR and Jayalalithaa are the icons of this party. Apart from them, no one else will be projected in this party,” Sasikala asserted.
Pointing out that late party leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa had led their lives above casteism and communalism, Sasikala said, “The AIADMK has so far followed that path and in the future it will march along the same path with military discipline.”