CHENNAI: In her first ever television interview, AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala said that she was ready to face any inquiry into the treatment and death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, hours after O Panneerselvam called for an inquiry commission on the issue.
“I’m not in the least worried about the probe. The doctors can testify as to how I took care of her at the hospital. My conscience is clear. Only I know the pain that I went through after her death,” she said breaking down mid-sentence. Calling Panneerselvam a traitor, she said she was saddened by his statements.
Confident of assuming office as Chief Minister, she said, “I told AIADMK cadre that I would take the party forward as guided by Amma and that we will bring back Amma’s government.”
Denying Panneerselvam’s claims of resigning under threat, Sasikala said, “Panneerselvam had been speaking to me well even after resignation. I don’t know why these allegations are cropping up after 48 hours.”
Though she said that she did not think political factors were at play behind the Governor’s delay in not inviting her for swearing-in, she questioned the delay despite her having the support of the majority of MLAs and after multiple requests. “I hope the Governor upholds and protects the Constitution,” she added.
Suspecting the DMK’s hand behind the scenes, Sasikala said that DMK had always looked at OPS not as an AIADMK member, but as one of their own. She quoted DMK’s Durai Murugan as saying that Panneerselvam had his ‘backing’ to continue as Chief Minister.
On the disproportionate assets case, Sasikala said that she would not comment as the case was going on.