Governor waiting for verdict in Sasikala wealth case? Note 'not sent to Centre' says so

With the latest development at Friday night, the political potboiler's desperate search for climax continued for another day in the Tamil Nadu capital.

AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. (Photo | EPS)

CHENNAI: With the governor in no hurry to formulate his position on the factional feud within the ruling AIADMK, the political potboiler's desperate search for climax continued for another day in the State capital.

Sources said Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao does not want to be seen as being rushed into installing either AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala or the rebel incumbent O Panneerselvam as the chief minister.

The absence of any decision is being interpreted as the governor deciding to wait for the verdict in the wealth case against Sasikala that the Supreme Court is expected to deliver soon.

This state of animated suspense was further accentuated when a two-page note purportedly sent by Raj Bhavan in Chennai to the Union Home Ministry surfaced in the evening. It did not bear any signature or details of either the addressee or the sender.

It noted that there was a unique situation in Tamil Nadu since the chief minister who resigned now wanted it to be revoked, and cited the pending verdict to raise doubts about Sasikala’s ability to form a stable government.

However, Raj Bhavan issued a statement later in the night, denying it had sent any report. But the brief statement did not end the storm that it triggered in the already charged atmosphere, with questions being raised about both the report and even the denial.

Earlier in the day, the governor met chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan, police chief TK Rajendran and city police commissioner S George where they were asked about media reports that MLAs were being detained against their will. He also instructed police brass to act without favouring either sides.

With no concrete development, the day was filled with allegations and expulsions by both factions, followed by the announcement by senior leader E Madhusudanan that the cadre would soon elect their general secretary following due procedures adopted during party formation.

Madhusudanan, the presidium chairman who had switched over, shot off a letter to the Election Commission against Sasikala’s nomination as general secretary. In quick response, Sasikala expelled him from the party and appointed senior leader KA Sengottaiyan in his place.