After chief minister Palanisamy wins trust vote; Panneerselvam camp huddle to discuss the road ahead
Leader Stalin and others were forcefully removed from the assembly hall after the DMK MLAs created chaos in the house.
Published: 14th February 2017 10:23 AM | Last Updated: 18th February 2017 11:40 PM | A+A A-
Tamil Nadu chief minister Palanisamy won the vote of confidence today by 122 votes, whereas 11 voted against him. The TM assembly speaker Dhanapal managed to get on with the trust vote motion proceedings only after it was marred by intense protests by the opposition, which resulted in two adjournments. DMK leader Stalin and others opposition members were evicted from the assembly hall right before the final vote was taken.
The days events as they happened:
8: 20 pm: Top brass of the rebel AIADMK camp back at Thenpennai house, official residence of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, to discuss the road ahead. Those present include Madhusudanan, Ma Foi Pandiarajan, S. Semmalai and S. P. Shanmuganathan.
8: 10 pm: Ma Foi Pandiarajan back at O Panneerselvam's residence.
7: 20 pm: Madhusudhanan comes to Paneerselvam's residence after things quieten down.
7: 05 pm: The newly-elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami says that with his government winning the confidence vote in the Assembly, the vow taken by AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala has now been fulfilled.- PTI
6: 50 pm: The heavily guarded entrance to the residence of AIADMK rebel O Paneerselvam has only two guards now.
6:20 pm: Palanisamy leaves Poes Garden
6:10 pm: Tamil Nadu's new Chief Minister Palanisamy is inside the Veda Nilayam for more than an hour now. TTV Dinakaran, Dindugal Srinivasan, Sengottaiyan and a few others also accompanying him.
AIADMK Party cadres burst crackers and distribute sweets outside party HQ @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/moCy4OrUnf
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 18, 2017
5:50 pm: Sasikala loyalist TTV Dinakaran: We have fulfilled Chinnamma's pledge, we did not force OPS to resign, he had been conspiring with DMK.
5: 45 pm: Kamarajar Salai is now cleared for vehicular movements.
Kamarajar Salai cleared for traffic after police removes all DMK Cadre protesting near Gandhi Statue @NewIndianXpress
— Venkatesan V P (@venkatvp_tnie) February 18, 2017
5:30 pm: Most DMK leaders and men at Marina arrested. Traffic restored on Kamarajar Road.
5:20 pm: 52 DMK cadres detained in Pudukkottai for staging road roko condemning speaker P Dhanapal.
5:15 pm: Police sources: Arrested DMK leaders and men at Marina to be taken to a marriage hall at Mylapore
5:10 pm: Shops down shutters in a few areas of Chennai (Kasimedu & Royapuram) in protest.
5:00 pm: Chennai | Traffic is disrupted on Kamarajar Salai. Vehicles headed to Santhomme diverted through the service lane.
4:55 pm: The new Tamil Nadu CM Palanisamy heads to Poes Garden from assembly.
4:50 pm: DMK leader Stalin arrested
4:30 pm: Police attempting to arrest DMK leaders protesting at Marina, manage to remove a few from the spot forcibly.
4:25 pm: DMK cadres stage road roko condemning Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal at Karur. Similiar protests in Krishnagiri.
4:20 pm: Almost all cities in TN and Puducherry witness protests
4:15 pm: DMK cadres including former Union Minister TR Balu set fire to the effigy of speaker P Dhanapal near Thanjavur old bus stand.
4:13 pm: DMK cadres stages protest across Chennai city and state. Stalin leads the protests at Marina . The cadres block Arcot road at Kodambakkam; heavy traffic snarl.
@KanimozhiDMK joins @mkstalin at Marina beach@j11_jane #TnPolitics pic.twitter.com/Y4xTGJspq9
— gopu mohan (@gopumohan_TNIE) February 18, 2017
4:10 pm: Leader of Opposition M K Stalin goes on a hunger strike at Marina Beach
4:06 pm: "MLAs will know the truth when they visit their respective constituencies. Dharma will prevail in the end", says OPS. He is back at his residence post confidence vote. Media still not allowed inside.
4:05 pm: Palanisamy pays homage at Jayalalithaa's memorial after winning the trust vote.
4:03 pm: IUML MLA KAM Muhamad Abubakar says TN assembly speaker didn't listen to their demands on secret ballot
04:00 pm: MLAs will know the truth when they visit their respective constituencies. Dharma will prevail in the end: OPS
03:55 pm:
Celebration at AIADMK HQ following EPS' majority in the floor test https://t.co/EdN8J7wj4D
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 18, 2017
03:50 pm: AIADMK Cadres celebrate in front of late CM Jayalalithaa's residence at Poes garden.
03:45 pm: Here are the details- 122 for Palanisamy, 11 against.
03:40 pm: 122 MLAs voted for Palanisamy, Hence he wins the confidence motion and continues to be the CM.
03:35 pm: MK Stalin reaches Raj Bhavan.
03:30 pm: Voting started in block 2 of the assembly - ANI
03:25 pm: Voting resumes in the assembly after massive uproar.
03:20 pm: Speaker himself tore the shirt, invited us to his chambers and alleged it was DMK MLAs: Stalin.
03:15 pm: Stalin and other DMK MLAs leave secretariat to meet the Governor.
03:10 pm: Senior leader Durai Murugan fell ill. DMK MLAs claim one of them had a bleeding injury.
03:05 pm: I told the Speaker that I take responsibility for whatever happened, yet Speaker left the house and instructed police to enter the hall after which we were thrown out of the house: Stalin
03:00 pm: Evicted DMK MLAs to head to Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor.
02:55 pm: More police move into the assembly hall: Reports.
02:50 pm: Stalin to meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao after he was forced out of Assembly chamber.
02:45 pm: Stalin's shirt shows he was almost manhandled!
02:40 pm: Stalin forced out of Assembly chamber.

02:35 pm: Police removes DMK members from the Assembly forcefully before the session resumes at 3 pm.
02:30 pm: Opposition Leader Stalin and others refuse to leave assembly hall. Some DMK members sit on dharna.
02:25 pm: As the assembly witnessed heavy disruption, a view from outside seemed quite deserted.

02:20 pm: Earlier today, for a very brief distance, in order to help the Speaker come down from his elevated podium, he was physically carried by the Assembly watch and ward staff.- PTI
02:15 pm: DMK members likely to be evicted once the house resumes at 3 pm.
02:10 pm: Additional CoP (Int) Thamaraikannan joins City Police Commissioner George.
02:05 pm: Earlier visuals of broken tables and torn pieces of paper near Speaker's chair- ANI

02:00 pm: DMK MLAs to sit on dharna inside Tamil Nadu assembly premises.- ANI
01:55 pm: Chennai City Police Commissioner S George at the corridor outside Speaker's chamber in Secretariat.
01:50 pm:
Secretariat under tight security, says @sinduja_TNIE @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/wAS2o4mSYN
— Nirupama Viswanathan (@NirupamaViswa) February 18, 2017
01:45 pm: Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan seeks meeting with the Speaker, rushes to his chamber.
01:40 pm: Watch and Ward staff formed a shield around the Speaker whose shirt was torn inside the house.
01:35 pm: Meanwhile, Golden Bay resort in Koovathur, which housed the Sasikala camp, has reportedly been closed down for maintenance - TV reports.
01:30 pm: Assembly adjourned again till 3 pm. Will the proceedings take place peacefully after 3 pm?
01:25 pm: DMK MLAs refuse to leave the assembly.
01:20 pm: They ripped off my shirt and humiliated me. Where do I go and complain: Speaker- TV reports.
01:15 pm: Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal orders assembly police to evict DMK MLAs- ANI
01:10 pm: DMK protest in TN assembly earlier today, MLAs snatch Speaker's mic and throw paper-ANI.

01:05 pm: Assembly proceedings resume.
01:00 pm: Traffic blocked along Rajaji Salai stretch near TN assembly.
12:50 pm: The injured was a watch and ward of the assembly who was apparently injured in the commotion.
12:45 pm: Let MLAs go to their constituencies before trust vote. Now life under threat, can't vote with freedom: OPS
12:40 pm: Someone being taken on a stretcher into the ambulance.
12:35 pm: An ambulance moves inside the secretariat campus.

12:30 pm: Meeting underway between CM Palanisami and senior ministers-ANI
12:25 pm: Meanwhile, Subramanian Swamy termed DMK as an anti-national party saying "whatever she is, VK Sasikala is much better than DMK"- ANI
12:20 pm: Ku Ka Selvam, DMK MLA sat on Speaker's chair in protest- ANI
12:15 pm: Speaker leaves the assembly adjourning it till 1 pm.
12:10 pm: DMK MLAs tear papers, throw chairs in assembly demanding secret ballot - ANI
12:05 pm: While the media is not allowed in the house, the audio system in the house is completely disconnected.
12:00 pm: No one can interfere with my decision on how to vote: TN assembly Speaker Dhanapal. Voting to begin anytime soon.
11:55 am: Ruckus in the assembly, voting comes to a halt. Will the floor test be completed today?
11:50 am: OPS speaking inside the assembly, says vote has to be taken to register the voice of the masses- TV reports
11:45 am: Out of 6, first three blocks vote in favour of K Palanisamy.
11:40 am: Each block consists of 38 MLAs. Hence, K Palanisamy has 38 MLAs on his side so far, Stalin demands to postpone floor test.
11:35 am: Assembly divided into 6 blocks of which 1st block already voted in favour of Edappadi K Palanisamy. Five more to go.
11:30 am: Tamil Nadu assembly doors have been closed. Media persons have not been allowed to follow the proceedings, the session kept a secret.
11:25 am: 30 OPS supporters arrested when waving black flags at AIADMK MLAs at Adyar.
11:20 am: Ruckus in TN assembly over trust vote.
11:15 am: OPS faction demand secret ballot during the trust vote; the speaker, however, rejects it.
11:10 am: Arguments break out between media persons and police after media denied entry into TN assembly premises -ANI.
11:05 am: CM Palanisamy moves the motion for the vote of confidence in TN assembly.
11:00 am: Quick recap #3- While Mylapore MLA Natraj yesterday said that he would vote against Chief Minister 'Edappadi' K Palanisamy, MLA Arunkumar said that he would abstain himself from voting.
10:55 am: Separate whip issued by OPS faction.
Mr. S. Semmalai appointed as the WHIP of aiadmk party in TamilNadu legislative assembly. pic.twitter.com/k9i5Q2d3NT
— Thiru O.Pannerselvam (@OPannerselvam) February 18, 2017
10:50 am: Pannerselvam arrives at Assembly, says "Dharmame Vellum!"

10:45 am: Rival factions of AIADMK issue separate whips.
10:40 am: DD is not allowed to go ahead with live telecast of assembly proceedings.
10:35 am: Stalin walked towards the assembly in protest alleging that his car was searched at the entrance: ANI
10:30 am: DMK leader MK Stalin reaches Secretariat for the special assembly session: TV reports.
10:25 am: Heavy security outside assembly where Edapadi is to prove his majority.

10:20 am: Paneerselvam leaves his residence, heading towards the Secretariat for the crucial Assembly session.

10:15 am: Leaving the Speaker P Dhanapal aside, there are 232 MLAs who are supposed to vote, fixing the simple majority at 117.
10:10 am: Quick recap #1-The AIADMK had won 136 of the 234 seats in the State, while the DMK and its allies have 98.
10:05 am: Congress to vote against Edappadi K Palaniswami government: TNCC chief Su Thirunavakkarasar- PTI
10:00 am: Supporters arrive to express their solidarity outside Paneerselvam's residence.

9:55 am: AIADMK MLAs arrive at State Assembly.
9:50 am: DMK MLAs headed by Stalin march towards Assembly raising slogans against Palanisamy.
9:45 am: MDMK leader Vaiko will meet Governor Rao at 10 am at Rajbhavan.
9:40 am: Gates opened for party cadre and supporters at Panneerselvam's residence ahead of the crucial confidence vote.
9:35 am: Scenes outside Panneerselvam's residence. Media and supporters not allowed inside.
9:30 am: Hours before the crucial trust vote at the State Assembly, AIADMK MLA PRG Arunkumar said that he would abstain from voting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. READ HERE
(FRIDAY, 17 FEBRUARY 2017)
9:05 pm: I reiterate to AIADMK MLAs, please think wisely before casting your vote tomorrow. Don't buckle under pressure. Please vote against the trust vote and safeguard the interests of Amma: Panneerselvam - ANI
9:00 pm: Amma continuously worked to see that family rule doesn't enter Tamil politics, till her last she worked to achieve this goal: Pannerselvam - ANI
8:50 pm: Panneerselvam appreciates AIADMK MLA Natraj for support, appeals to all MLAs to think twice before voting. He also claims right over AIADMK's two-leaves symbol.
7:50 pm: Conveyed our stand to leadership, waiting for their direction, but all our eight MLAs will attend trust vote: S Thirunavukkarasar, Tamil Nadu Congress chief - ANI
7:05 pm: Election Commission issues notice to VK Sasikala on petition filed by OPS faction on her election as AIADMK general secretary and seeks reply by February 28
6:20 pm: IUML too decides to vote against Edappadi government; so war is now left between Sasikala-OPS factions tomorrow
6:10 pm: DMK likely to go against Edappadi Palanisami led govt in Assembly during trust vote tomorrow.
5:55 pm: DMK's decision will depend upon situation in Assembly during trust vote, MLAs told at meeting chaired by MK Stalin, sources
5:30 pm: AIADMK Presidium Chairman Madhusudhanan of Panneerselvam camp sacks 13 district secretaries, including CM Edappadi Palaniswami, who's also Salem district secretary. - ANI
5:10 pm: DMK MLAs meeting headed by MK Stalin starts in Chennai HQ ahead of tomorrow's TN Assembly floor test - ANI
4:30 pm: Tamil Nadu Minister KA Sengottaiyan says, "According to party rules, he (Madhusudanan) has no power to remove general secretary VK Sasikala." - ANI
4:20 pm: Panneerselvam camp demands secret ballot to decide on confidence motion
4:10 pm: Panneerselvam writes letter to Tamil N Police requesting them not to arrest Amma supporters who are peacefully protesting against current government - ANI
3:50 pm: AIADMK rebel leader, ex-CM Panneerselvam, urge police not to harass peaceful protesters
3:40 pm:
O Panneerselvam's appeal to TN police against detaining those expressing support to him. Urges the force to remain neutral.#OPSvsEPS pic.twitter.com/rnYnIKoCbJ
— gopu mohan (@gopumohan_TNIE) February 17, 2017
02:30 pm: School Education Minister KA Sengottaiyan appointed as Leader of the House in Tamil Nadu Assembly.
1:45 pm
Gates to #Paneerselvam residence remain firmly shut for the media. Ma Foi Pandiarajan expected to address media outside. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/Tsa593Rxdi
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 17, 2017
1:40 pm: AIADMK presidium president E Madhusudanan from the rebel camp has explled 13, including CM Palanisami, from party's primary membership.
1:35 pm: No plans to visit Bengaluru today, will go to Kuvathur resort to meet the MLAs: Palanisamy- ANI (DETAILS HERE)
1:30 pm: Goundampalayam MLA VC Arukutty leaves Paneerselvam's residence.
1:20 pm: K Pandiarajan back at Panneerselvam's residence after meeting Assembly Speaker.
1:15 pm
TN CM THANKS PM FOR HIS WISHES @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/z1OD9gojBR
— Sathish Mani (@MSATHISHMani) February 17, 2017
1:10 pm: AIADMK MLAs in Sasikala faction to meet at Koovathur at 3 pm ahead of session for trust vote in Assembly tomorrow.
01:00 pm: After attending the swearing-in ceremony of Edappadi, no movement from the MLAs at the Golden Bay resort.
12:55 pm: Senior leaders of Panneerselvam faction meet Assembly Speaker and submit a petition; all 10 MLAs would take part in trust vote tomorrow. (DETAILS HERE)
12:50 pm: DMK has made it very clear that we'll not be against/for it; we'll not be participating, says Kanimozhi, the sitting MP on the Assembly floor test.- ANI
12:45 pm: R. Bommi, Mylapore Ward No 125 Councillor also said, "O Panneerselvam will definitely become the chief minister".
12:40 pm
"You know she (Sasikala) killed Amma, then why should we support her?" -- R. Bommi, Mylapore Ward No. 125 Councillor. #ops @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/a6SAFE3QOY
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 17, 2017
12:35 pm: Semmalai and K Pandiarajan meet Speaker P Dhanapal.
12:15 pm: AIADMK presidium president E Madhusudanan from the rebel camp declares re-admission of TTV Dinskaran and Dr Venkatesh null and void.
12:10 pm: Give Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy six months to govern the state, then comment about his competency, says Markandey Katju former Chairman of Press Council of India and Former Supreme Court Judge at Tiruchy.
12:05 pm: Former AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan expels Sasikala, TTV Dinakaran Venkatesh from AIADMK
11:50 am: Congress Whip S Viajayadharani says AIADMK has not sought their support during tomorrow's trust vote motion.
11:50 am: Congress Whip in TN Assembly issues whip to 8 MLAs of the party to attend tomorrow's session without fail.
11:40 am:
Media not allowed inside. Wait at the entrace of #ops residence on Greenways Road. #Panneerselvam @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/GTsgbTLIP0
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 17, 2017
11:25 am: Speaker P Dhanapal holding discussions with officials about arrangements, ahead of Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy seeking trust vote tomorrow.
11:20 am: Eight Congress MLAs to meet at 4 pm in Chennai, to discuss strategy, ahead of confidence voting in state Assembly.
11:15 am: AIADMK Mylapore MLA Natraj said that he will vote against Edappadi Palaniswami. MORE
Yet another twist. #AIADMK Mylapore MLA Natraj says he'll vote against Edappadi Palaniswami in floor test @NewIndianXpress @gopumohan_TNIE
— Ram M Sundaram (@Ram_TNIE) February 17, 2017
11:00 am: Ahead of Tamil Nadu Chief Miniter Edappadi Palanisamy seeking trust vote tomorrow. Government Whip S Rajendran says he will issue whip to AIADMK MLAs within an hour.
10:50 am: Dethroned Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam to launch an interaction with the public as part of a movement to unsettle VK Sasikala.
10:40 am: Rebel MLAs and MPs led by former Chief Miniter O Panneerselvam to stage protest this evening in front of offices of V K Sasikala camp MLAs across Tamil Nadu.
10:15 am: Tamil Nadu Government is uncertain till it proves its majority in assembly tomorrow, says Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan while congratulating Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy.
10:00 am: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy is planning to meet V K Sasikala only after winning confidence vote in Assembly tomorrow, say AIADMK sources.
09:00 am: Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition, M K Stalin, to discuss party's strategy with MLAs, evening, ahead of confidence vote tomorrow.
08:30 am:
Don't smile at me tomorrow in Assembly,MK Stalin tells TN CM EPS, indicating that it may endanger his present position ! @NewIndianXpress
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 17, 2017
(THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2017)
Edappadi K Palanisamy selected by V K Sasikala to form the government in the state took the oath of office as the new chief minister of Tamil Nadu on Thursday. The swearing-in ceremony took place at 4 pm where in 31 ministers were administered the oath of office. Sasikala loyalist Palanisamy has been, however, given 15 days to prove his majority in the Assembly.
The new Chief Minister holds the following 17 portfolios: Police, Home, Finance, PWD, Irrigation including Minor Irrigation, Highways, Minor Ports, Public, IAS, IPS, IFS, District Revenue Officers, Planning, Legislative Assembly, Elections and Passports, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Personnel and Administrative Reforms (training).
UPDATES:
8:30 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls up CM Edappadi K Palaniswami on his assuming the office; chief minister thanks him for the call.
7:55 pm: After Palanisamy, now Panneerselvam visits Jayalalithaa's memorial, says "The government headed by Edappadi K Palaniswami is anti-people; we will not rest until this government is removed".
7:40 pm:
The new cabinet of Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/dcxx28iIrv
— gopu mohan (@gopumohan_TNIE) February 16, 2017
7:05 pm: Special session of Tamil Nadu Assembly will be held on February 18; CM Edappadi K Palanisami will seek confidence vote on that day.
6:50 pm: In the past 60 years, Panneerselvam has been the only chief minister to have occupied the official residence (Thenpannai) while in office. Other chief minsters like Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi chose to work out of their own houses in Poes Garden and Gopalapuram, respectively.
6:40 pm: K Palanisamy had witnessed his electoral debut when AIADMK had split under MGR's wife Janaki Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. He became CM today under the same circumstances. (READ MORE)
6:35 pm: Newly elected TN CM Edappadi K Palanisamy & Ministers didnt go to Secretariat on 1st day of assuming office; they're heading to Kuvathoor.
6:30 pm: Heavy traffic at Greenways Road as OPS supporters leave the CM's official residence; OPS may also have to vacate it soon.
6:25 pm:
Supporters waiting to felicitate CV Shanmugham at his residence as police wait outside to prevent commotion @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/cMoRIVmBXV
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 16, 2017
6:20 pm: TN CM Edappadi K Palanisami after paying homage at memorials of late CMs, asserts that he would prove majority in Assembly.
6:15 pm: Riot control police team posted close to the chief minister's residence; mediapersons asked to leave the area.
6:10 pm: Supporters of Panneerselvam and Sasikala's camp enter into heated arguments outside the official residence of Tamil Nadu chief minister at Thenpennai. Panneerselvam and his camp may have to move out of the place soon.

6:00 pm: TN CM Edappadi K Palanisami and his cabinet colleagues pay homage at memorial of late CM J Jayalalithaa on Marina.
5:50 pm: Ex-MLA KP Munusamy addressing media even as commotion continues outside Panneerselvam's residence.
5:35 pm
Stone pelting by rival camp at OPS residence. Supporters blocked indoors @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/uQqS7Fei8A
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 16, 2017
05:00 pm: The fourth and the final batch of 7 ministers in the new Tamil Nadu cabinet have taken the oath of office. Swearing-in ceremony of 31 ministers in the council of ministers headed by CM Edappadi K Palanisami concludes with the singing of the national anthem.
04:55 pm: Third batch of seven ministers taking the oath now. with this, 24 have been sworn in.
04:50 pm: The next batch of eight Ministers taking the oath of office now. With this, 17 ministers have been sworn in.
04:45 pm
Following Edappadi K Palanisami, eight ministers take oath together @NewIndianXpress
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 16, 2017
04:40 pm: Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao administers the oath of office to Edappadi K Palanisami as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Crackers being burst, supporters celebrate at #AIADMK headquarters@NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/rCx7i9HeSB
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 16, 2017
04:35 pm: Governor arrives at the venue and takes the stage at Raj Bhavan to administer the oath of office to the new Tamil Nadu cabinet.
04:30 pm: Tamil Nadu cabinet and CM-designate E. Palanisamy's oath ceremony to begin at Raj Bhavan, shortly. - ANI
04:25 pm: Fifteen days deadline to prove majority will lead to horse trading, alleges Leader of Opposition MK Stalin. (READ MORE)
04:20 pm: No AIADMK supporters in front of Bengaluru Parappana Agrahara Central Prison where Sasikala is lodged, say TV reports.
04:00 pm
People protesting outside CV Shanmugham's house, who is OPS' neighbour questioning his support for Sasikala @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/EJVeNfeztB
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 16, 2017
03:55 pm: Palanisamy retains 19 portfolios, and will 'reward' loyalists, say TV reports.
03:45 pm: Most of the ministers under Panneerselvam have been retained in the new Tamil Nadu cabinet. - PTI
03:35 pm
In his last hour as CM, rebel O Panneerselvam assures his supporters to continue fight against Sasikala's family rule. Express- Martin Louis pic.twitter.com/exMz7JPtLP
— gopu mohan (@gopumohan_TNIE) February 16, 2017
03:30 pm: Edappadi keeps home portfolio with himself. Most of the ministers under O Panneerselvam to be retained.- PTI
03:25 pm:
Complete list of Edappadi Cabinet. K A Sengottaiyan takes defected MLA Mafoi's portfolio. pic.twitter.com/2dmYjYaTOs
— Srikkanth (@Srikkanth_TNIE) February 16, 2017
03:20 pm: The new council of Ministers headed by Edappadi K Palanisamy will be sworn in at a simple function at Raj Bhavan at 4.30 pm today. (READ MORE)
03:15 pm: AIADMK ministers and MLAs reach Poes Garden.
03:10 pm: The list of ministers in Edappadi cabinet:
-
K A Sengottaiyan for Higher Education,
-
P Thangamani for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise
-
S P Velumani for Municipal Administration, Rural Development and Implementation of Special Programme
-
Nilofer Kafeel - Minister for Labour
-
P Benjamin - Minister for Rural Industries
-
Dindigul C Srinivasan for Forest ministry
-
Sellur K Raju for Co-operation ministry
-
MR Vijayabhaskar - Minister for Transport
-
KT Rajenthra Bhalaji - Minister for Milk and Dairy Development
-
V Saroja - Minister for Social Welfare and Nutritious Noon Meal Programme
03:05 pm: MLAs left Koovathur resort at 2:30 pm, and are reportedly headed to Raj Bhavan.
03:00 pm: Madras High Court dismisses habeas corpus pleas to trace two AIADMK MLAs, allegedly under illegal detention at Koovathur resort. - PTI
02:55 pm
Ponneri: One can't bend the laws of the party and can't be temporary gen secy. And her expulsion of OPS is not valid @NewIndianXpress
— Krishna Chaitanya (@Krish_TNIE) February 16, 2017
02:50 pm: V Maitreyan petitions ECI to declare an election of V K Sasikala as general secretary of AIADMK and decisions taken by her as null and void.
02:45 pm: MLAs leave from Golden Bay Resort in Kovathur. AIADMK workers and supporters reportedly distributed payassam (a sweet dish) outside Golden Bay Resort, after E.Palanisamy was elected as CM. -ANI
02:40 pm
Amma and MGR portraits fly off the shelves, but demand for #sasikala portraits are "picking up fast," shopkeepers said. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/ElsaoQhU25
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 16, 2017
02:35 pm: Why 15 days have been given to CM to prove his majority? Governor himself is not confident, says TKS Elangovan, DMK MP. - ANI
02:25 pm:
AIADMK cadres burst crackers, distribute sweets outside party office in Dharmapuri. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/6yTmpbKaTq
— Srikkanth (@Srikkanth_TNIE) February 16, 2017
02:15 pm: Chief minister-designate Edappadi K Palanisamy meets Governor again; submits council of ministers in his Cabinet.
02:05 pm: The list of Council of Ministers in the Cabinet headed by Edappadi K Palanisami will be submitted to Governor shortly.
02:00 pm: Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan meets chief minister-designate Edappadi K Palanisami at Poes Garden.
1: 45 pm:
Posters of OPS being set on fire at AIADMK headquarters #Panneerselvam #sasikala @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/neEb31FJxp
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 16, 2017
1: 35 pm: We will not let the party (AIADMK) go into the hands of few of the VK Sasikala's family members, says Panneerselvam.-ANI (READ MORE)
1: 30 pm: Visual from the Panneerselvam's residence, where the rebel Tamil Nadu Chief Minister reacting to Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao's invitation towards Edappadi Palanisami for forming the new government.
Rebel CM OPS reacting to Guv invitation to Edappadi Palanisami now @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/eO0Qj8WQgy
— Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) February 16, 2017
1: 29 pm: Angry supporters of the rebel O Panneerselvam camp shouting slogans against Edappadi Palanisami at the former's residence.
Angry supporters of rebel camp shouting slogans, CM OPS residence, against Edappadi Palanisami @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/WK9InjQI21
— Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) February 16, 2017
1:15 pm:

1:10 pm: Rebel Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to react shortly to Governor's invitation to Edappadi Palanisami to form next government in Tamil Nadu .
1:05 pm: Not divided there are no factions only O Panneerselvam is apart and his question shouldn't arise because he isn't party member, says M. Thambidurai. - ANI
12:45 pm:
Party Cadres express dissatisfaction over governor's decision to let Sasikala camp prove majority @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/jX1AyXOUoV
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 16, 2017
12:40 pm: Election Commission gives appointment to V Maitreyan, his colleagues today at 2.45 pm in New Delhi. Maitreyan was one of the first person to extend his support to O Panneerselvam.

12:35 pm: It will be a regular floor test, where MLAs will choose to vote for or against Palanisamy. Earlier there was a talk of a possible composite floor test where the MLAs would have to choose between one claimant to the chief minister's post or another. (DETAILS HERE)
12:30 pm: The council of ministers headed by Edappadi K Palanisami will be sworn in at Raj Bhavan at 4 pm today.
WATCH HERE: Sasikala loyalist Edappadi K Palanisamy to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM
12:25 pm
Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao invites Edappadi K Palanisami to form next government @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/cR2tQjWq4V
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 16, 2017
12:20 pm: Crowd outside O Panneerselvam's residence thinning.
12:15 pm: Governor gives 15 days time to AIADMK's legislature party leader Edappadi K Palanisamy prove majority in the Assembly. (DETAILS HERE)
12:10 pm:
Governor invites Edappadi K Palanisami to form next government @NewIndianXpress
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 16, 2017
12:00 pm: Governor invites K Palanisamy to form the government, say TV reports.
11:45 am: TN Minister Jayakumar, KA Sengottaiyan, S. P. Velumani, T. T. Dinakaran, K. P. Anbazhagan also part of Palanisamy delegation at Raj Bhavan, reports ANI.
11:35 am:

11:30 am: Edappadi K Palanisami and his colleagues arrive at Raj Bhavan; to meet Governor in a few minutes.
11:15 am: Rest of the MLAs stay back at the resort in Koovathur.
11:00 am: Palanisamy to address the media after meeting the Governor, say TV reports.
10:40 am:
Honourable Governor invites AIADMK's legislature party leader Thiru.Edapadi K.Palanisamy.#Amma's Victory
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 16, 2017
10:35 am: Edappadi K Palanisamy and senior ministers leave Koovathur resort to meet Governor.
10:25 am: Edappadi K Palanisami to meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at 11.30 a.m today.
10:15 am:
Media asked to wait outside at Thenpennai- the residence of OPS @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/k9WbBiqyli
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 16, 2017
10:05 am: Party cadres eagerly await Governor's next move.
WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 15 2017)
The political crisis in the state of Tamil Nadu took a dramatic turn after caretaker CM O Panneerselvam and Deepa Jayakumar joined hands at Jayalalithaa's memorial at Marina last night, sending out a message to their mutual rival, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala.
The surprise turn of events took place when the Supreme Court convicted VK Sasikala in a 21-year-old disproportionate assets case on Tuesday. The AIADMK general secretary, the unrelenting claimant for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s post, is now barred from contesting elections.
Sasikala and her MLAs then chose Edappadi K Palanisamy as the AIADMK legislature party leader who met Governor Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim to the chief minister's chair.
FULL REPORT: Sasikala does a memorial tour, takes dramatic vow, surrenders
IN-DEPTH: No VIP treatment, no AC room, Sasikala will make candles for Rs 50 a day
READ: No big drama this time around, unlike when Jayalalithaa came three years ago
UPDATES:
9:00 pm: Panneerselvam leaves Raj Bhavan, does not address media while leaving.
8:50 pm:
OPS and team arrive at Raj Bhavan @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/TnBA70TIYO
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 15, 2017
8:40 pm: Panneerselvam reaches Raj Bhavan, meets Governor to discuss the ongoing political turmoil.
8:35 pm : O Panneerselvam leaves for Raj Bhavan -TV reports
8:25 pm: Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, after meeting Governor, expressed confidence that the Governor would do the needful.
8:20 pm: Meeting between Palanisamy and Governor concludes. Palanisamy is hopeful that the Governor will invite them to form the government soon.
8:10 pm: Sasikala loyalist Palanisamy meets Governor Vidyasagar Rao along with his delegation - TV reports
8:00 pm: Jewellery worth Rs 2.51 crore, wrist watches worth Rs 15.9 lakh part of Rs 55 crore assets amassed by Jayalalithaa, Sasikala and two others - PTI
7:50 pm: All eyes on Governor C Vidyasagar Rao over swearing-in of new Tamil Nadu CM, a day after Edapaddi K Palaniswami staked claim to form government - PTI
7:40 pm:
Sasikala should be shifted to a a jail in Tamil Nadu after Palanisamy becomes CM in the interest of security
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) February 15, 2017
7:35 pm: Sasikala will not challenge the SC order, will serve full sentence - TV reports
7:20 pm: Governor allows 10 member delegation each, from both AIADMK camps for discussion - TV reports
7:15 pm: Sasikala's aide and senior AIADMK leader Thambidurai meets PM Modi - TV reports
7:10 pm: It is internal issue of ruling party in Tamil Nadu; Governor will decide soon on government formation as per Constitution: FM Arun Jaitley
7:05 pm: No VIP treatment for Sasikala, no AC room. She was denied the request to be put up in the same jail cell as Jayalalithaa. Sasikala will get a cot, a mattress, a table fan and three sarees, and is expected to share her jail cell with two other inmates.
7:00 pm: Sasikala to make candles in jail, will be paid Rs 50 per day.
6.55 pm: Sasikala is prisoner number 9234 at Parappana Agrahara prison. Her relative Ilavarasi and fellow convict in the disproportionate assets case is prisoner number 9235.
6:50 pm: Sasikala's nephew Sudhakaran surrenders at Bengaluru jail - TV reports
6:45 pm: Sasikala requests the court for A-class barrack, with fan, cot and non-veg meal twice a week in jail. She has also sought a space for meditation and 24-hour medical assistance: Sources - TV reports
6:40 pm: Chief Minister O Pannerselvam and nine leaders of his faction will meet Governor at 8.30 p.m. today
6:35 pm: Edappadi K Palanisamy and nine other AIADMK leaders will meet Governor at 7.30 pm, today: Raj Bhavan
6:20 pm: After medical check up, Sasikala and Ilavarasi appear before judge, third convict Sudhakaran has not yet reached court. - ANI
6:15 pm: The Bengaluru Police resort to mild caning to disburse people gathered outside the jail premises, when miscreants pelted stones at the car of the AIADMK leader's lawyer.
6:10 pm: One of cars in Sasikala's convoy, carrying her personal belongings, was vandalised. - Regional TV media
6:00 pm: VK Sasikala surrenders in Bengaluru court - PTI
5:55 pm: Delay on the part of Governor in inviting Edappadi K Palanisamy to form government is an injustice done to the people of Tamil Nadu: AIADMK MP
5:50 pm:
AIADMK MPs seek an audience with Governor to reiterate their demand @NewIndianXpress
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 15, 2017
5:40 pm: Sudhakaran will also have to serve remainder of their 4-year sentence with Sasikala and pay Rs. 10 crore as per 2014 trial court verdict.
5:35 pm: Nearly 70 people who accompanied MLAs to Golden Bay resort have been sent back home by police. After six hours interrogation of the MLAs, police IG also leaves the resort.
5:25 pm: Along with Sasikala, her sister-in-law Ilavarasi will also surrender today.
5:20 pm: Registrar of Karnataka HC had today ordered shifting of court to Parappana Agrahara Jail, Bengaluru - ANI
5:15 pm: Sasikala's convoy arrives at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail. Large number of supporters have gathered outside the jail.
5:00 pm: Senior AIADMK leader Pandian quits party post; opposes Sasikala's appointment of TTV Dinakaran as deputy general secretary
4:50 pm: Governor has gone through the letter of support submitted by 125 MLAs and assured that we'll be called soon to form government: TN mnister Saroja and Sasikala supporter - ANI
4:40 pm: Sasikala's husband Natarajan, along with her supporters, arrive at Bengaluru jail - TV reports
4:30 pm: Security forces have been deployed across Bengaluru as Sasikala is on her way to surrender there. Earlier, her case was shifted from Bengaluru city court to outskirts over security fears.
4:20 pm: AIADMK women MLAs at Kuvathoor to media: We have given written and oral statement to police who had interrogated us.
4:15 pm: AIADMK MLAs at Kuvathoor to media: We are staying here to establish Amma rule and some of us are staying with our families.
4:10 pm: AIADMK MLAs including women MLAS, supporting VK Sasikala come out of the Kuvathoor resort, likely to meet media.
4:00 pm: All MLAs at Golden Bay resort being interrogated. Entire interrogation is being video tapped: Police
3:30 pm: Sasikala is now on her way to Bengaluru, to surrender before trial court. Meanwhile, the Governor is expected to announce his decision by today evening.
3:15 pm: Around 50 men in safari suits at AIADMK HQ. They are reportedly working in two shifts per day, to prevent the OPS camp from entering the premise. They are from the AIADMK affiliated Anna Thozhil Sangam (Union). Some are also stationed at the Poes Garden.
02: 50 pm: Meanwhile, Subramanian Swamy took to Twitter and said that he has urged Home Minister to warn Tamil Nadu DGP on the outrageous eviction of Palanisamy's MLAs.
I called the Home Minister and urged him warn the TN DGP on the outrageous eviction of Palanisamy's MLAs
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) February 15, 2017
02:45 pm

02:40 pm: Around 200 policemen deployed close to Koovathur Golden Bay Resort where MLAs in Sasikala's camp are staying.
02:30 pm: Tamil Nadu governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao likely to announce his decision this evening: TV reports
02:10 pm: IGP Senthamaraikannan and SP Mutharasi are inside the Golden Bay resort where MLAs in Sasikala's camp staying for a week now.
01:50 pm
A kid greeting rebel CM OPS during his dharshan to supporters in Chennai @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/oqGE7sM9JP
— Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) February 15, 2017
01:45 pm: Rebel leader Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam meets his supporters.
01:15 pm
Based on a complaint filed by Madurai MLA S Saravanan, a kidnapping case has been filed against V K Sasikala and K Palanisamy in Koovathur Police Station, reports ANI. (READ MORE)
01:05 pm

12:55 pm: VK Sasikala stops at MGR's residence Ramavaram garden, pays her respects to the late leader.
12:50 pm: Karuppasamy Pandian, who had returned to AIAMDK in July last, today quits the party. (READ MORE)
12:35 pm

12:30 pm: Former Minister Gokula Indira and Former MLA V P Kalairajan arrive at the AIADMK Headquarters. "OPS won't be able to prove majority. Barring those who have left, remaining MLAs are all united," she says.
12:20 pm: Section 144 has been reportedly imposed in Parappana Agrahara limits, where Sasikala and two others will be kept.
12:15 pm: The proceedings to secure VK Sasikala by the trial court in Bengaluru have been shifted to Parappana Agrahara, on the outskirts of the city in view of security considerations. Sasikala and the other two convicted in the assets case, VN Sudhakaran and J Ilavarasi are expected to reach Bengaluru. (READ MORE)
12:10 pm:
At AIADMK HQ in Royapettah, where quite a few Cadre are present. Low key atmosphere here. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/SqDPN4HxvS
— Venkatesan V P (@venkatvp_tnie) February 15, 2017
12:05 pm: DMK executive president MK Stalin reportedly evaded a question on whether DMK Legislative Party meeting is scheduled to be held today in Chennai.
12:00 pm: Sasikala loyalist Sengottaiyan says he is hopeful Palanisamy will be invited by Governor to form the government. AIADMK members are united, he said.- PTI
11:55 am: V K Sasikala pays a floral tribute at Jaya memorial. She slammed her right hand on Jaya memorial thrice to take a pledge and left for Bengaluru to surrender before the court.

11:50 am: V K Sasikala arrives at Jayalalithaa memorial to pay homage ahead of moving to Bengaluru.
11:45 am: AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala en route Jayalalithaa memorial. After paying her respects, she will proceed to Bangalore by road.
11:40 am: A large number of AIADMK cadre raise slogans in support of VK Sasikala as her convoy moves out of Poes Garden.

11:35 am: AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala pays respects at Jayalalithaa portrait at Poes Garden before heading to Bengaluru.
11:30 am: AIADMK presidium chairman KA Sengottaiyan at Kuvathoor: Majority of MLAs are with us, we hope Governor will invite us soon.
11:25 am: AIADMK sources say VK Sasikala is likely to visit Jaya memorial first and then proceed to Bengaluru to surrender before the court.
11:20 am: Actress Gauthami leaves Panneerselvam's residence. She arrived at around 9 am. She has been raising many political issues recently.
11:15 am: TNIE correspondent Sushmitha Ramakrishnan reports from outside Veda Nilayam in Poes Garden:
11:10 am: DMK executive president MK Stalin cancels tonight functions at Coimbatore, returns to Chennai.
11:05 am: Sasikala may seek two weeks time on health grounds, reports ANI.
11:00 am: Sasikala will surrender by this evening, her counsel tells Bangalore court, say television channels.
10:55 am: DMK reportedly tells MLAs to gather in Chennai to boycott the floor test that is likely to take place later in the day, as per TV reports.
10:40 am: Senior advocate K T S Tulsi appeared for Sasikala and requested more time to surrender, but the Supreme Court bench says no. Justice PC Ghose doesn't let Tulsi to complete his sentence and said immediately means immediately. (READ MORE)
10:35 am: V K Sasikala mentions before Supreme Court seeking more time to surrender, but SC refuses to give more time, reports ANI.
10:20 am: DMK MLAs directed to gather in Chennai by 11 am today to devise a strategy in changing scenario of Tamil Nadu politics.
10:15 am:
Media asked to wait outside OPS's residence. #Panneerselvam @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/6EXJCY7xNe
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 15, 2017
10:05 am: Sasikala appoints nephew TTV Dinakaran, a former Rajya Sabha member, as AIADMK Deputy General Secretary. Dinakaran was sacked by late CM Jayalalithaa. (READ MORE)
10:00 am:
Cadres and media awaiting Sasi exit @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/FVf04WQzw7
— Sushmitha Ram (@SushmithaRam) February 15, 2017
09:55 am: AIADMK general secretary has reinducted her relatives TTV Dinakaran, Venkatesh in the party, years after they were expelled by Jayalalithaa.
TUESDAY (14 February 2017)
The Supreme Court convicted VK Sasikala in a 21-year-old disproportionate assets case on Tuesday. The AIADMK general secretary, the unrelenting claimant for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s post, who is accused number two along with late CM J Jayalalithaa, has been sentenced to four years in jail. she is now barred from contesting elections for six years after the jail term ends, which means she will be out of politics for the next 10 years.
Sasikala and her MLAs then chose Edappadi K Palanisamy as the AIADMK legislature party leader. He met Governor Vidyasagar Rao in the evening and staked claim to the chief minister's chair. The Governor will take a decision based on legal opinion. Meanwhile, Sasikala left the resort at Koovathur at 9.30 pm and returned to Veda Nilayam at Poes Garden by 11 pm. She is expected to surrender today.
FULL STORY: Convicted Sasikala out after the SC verdict, but game isn’t over yet
IN-DEPTH: Disproportionate assets case: here's what you need to know about the convicts
READ: Full text of Sasikala Judgment
Here are the updates as they happened:
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
12.00 am
Of the two factions that the party split into post Jayalalithaa's death, Panneerselvam and his supporters conducted a signature campaign to convert Veda Nilayam at Poes Garden into a memorial for the former AIADMK supremo. It was a move that had popular support but was also seen as one made to get Sasikala, who has been living there for the past 30 years, to leave. Sasikala, who has been sentenced to prison without bail for the next four years, will now not be using the property if she surrenders today as is expected.
11.55 pm
It is likely that the deceased former chief minister's properties, including Veda Nilayam in Poes Garden — her home since 1967— may come under the hammer to pay the Rs 100 crore fine.
11.50 pm
After her death, the question of who Jayalalithaa's property would be passed to as legal heirs is still unresolved. According to the affidavit filed by Jayalalithaa when contesting in the last Assembly election, she had declared assets holding a total value of Rs 113.73 crore, including immovable properties valued at Rs 72.09 crore.
11.45 pm
Jayalalithaa, who was accused number one in the case, had she been alive would have had to face the jail term. Now, her assets will have to be liquidated to pay the Rs 100 crore fine slapped on her by the trial court in Karnataka, the verdict of which the Supreme Court upheld.
11.40 pm
Happy in a way that Jayalalithaa was not alive to face these difficulties, Sasikala said, adding that she herself would take it in her stride. "I'll handle this," she told her party members.
11.35 pm
"Only I can be jailed, not the care or concern I have for this party," Sasikala told party workers as she sought to console them. Sasikala was dressed in a green saree, the trademark colour that the deceased former chief minister J Jayalalithaa was known to favour on important occasions, which her aide and successor has now taken to wearing often these days.
11.30 pm
Sasikala told the AIADMK cadres to work for the people's welfare. "You must continue your work without fear," she told them.
11.25 pm
Sasikala's supporters break down as she speaks to them. Photo: Ashwin Prasath | EPS
11.20 pm
Addressing a crowd of inconsolable supporters who were upset that their leader was sentenced to a prison term, an emotional Sasikala told them not to cry.
11.15 pm
"I'll stay in people's heart and #AIADMK will rule forever" : #Sasikala to cadres out #Poes @NewIndianXpress @gopumohan_TNIE #OPSvsSasikala
— Ram M Sundaram (@Ram_TNIE) February 14, 2017
11.10 pm
Sasikala speaks to the media at Poes Garden. She is expected to surrender tomorrow in the Bengaluru trial court.
11.05 pm
Sasikala arrives back in Poes Garden
V.K. Sasikala arrives in Poes Garden amidst chanting and fervent cries of "Chinnamma" #sasikala @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/DmEEIcswfi
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 14, 2017
11.00 pm
I'll always think about the party, no matter where I'll be — Sasikala's parting words to her MLAs
10.55 pm
At the meeting with MLAs, Sasikala remained confident that the AIADMK faction supporting her would be called to form the government, ANI reported.
10.50 pm
It emerges that only one batch of MLAs that left Golden Bay resort earlier today, and that about 80 to 90 of them are still lodged at Koovathur.
10.45 pm
Sasikala blamed opposition party DMK for filing the disproportionate assets case and causing trouble in Tamil Nadu politics. She told her MLAs to remain resolute and question the existence of DMK
10.40 pm
Sasikala broke down, as she has done several times while addressing the party cadre and the media, and, according to ANI, told her MLAs, "No force can separate me from the AIADMK"
10.35 pm
AIADMK gen secy VK Sasikala, ahead of leaving Koovathurr resort, appealed to AIADMK MLAs to stand united
10.30 pm
No update yet on where Sasikala is headed.
10.25 pm
Party cadre and supporters wait outside Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence, for Sasikala’s return. #sasikala @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/JXcERgkplk
— Dia Rekhi (@diarekhi) February 14, 2017
10.20 pm
When Deepa Jayakumar met Panneerselvam at his residence, she was received with the traditional aarti
10.15 pm
Ministers D Jayakumar, P Benjamin and Nilofer Kapil extend support to O Panneerselvam and are expected to meet him tomorrow, says the CMO Twitter handle run by an OPS loyalist.
Ministers Jayakumar , Benjamin , Nilofer Kapil extended support to honourable Chief Minister and expected to meet hon CM tomorrow.
— திரு O. Pannerselvam (@CMOTamilNadu) February 14, 2017
10.10 pm
Both Panneerselvam's and Sasikala's supporters remain confident that if it came to a floor test, their sides would come out tops.
10.05 pm
We will work together in future, Deepa Jayakumar told PTI after meeting Panneerselvam
10:00 pm
Deepa Jayakumar says she and OPS would act as pair of hands of AIADMK @NewIndianXpress
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 14, 2017
09:55 pm
AIADMK MLAs also leaving Koovathur resort.
09:50 pm
Top police officials are saying that they will not take custody of Sasikala since the Supreme Court's order was clear asking her to surrender.
09:45 pm
Deepa Jayakumar said that Panneerselvam and her would act together in politics. "This is my political entry," said former CM J Jayalalithaa's niece. She further said that Sasikala was heading to the place she deserves to be, and she and OPS would act as a pair of hands of AIADMK.
09:40 pm
As per TV reports, the party representatives don't have any idea as to where Sasikala is headed to.
9:30 pm
AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala leaves Kuvathoor resorts.
9:25 pm
Deepa Jayakumar, niece of Jayalaliathaa also arrives at Jayalalithaa's memorial; meets Panneerselvam there. Deepa had already said that she would announce details about her political journey on February 24, the birthday of Jayalalithaa. They both jointly offer prayers at the memorial.
9:20 pm
Panneerselvam and his colleagues reach Jayalalithaa memorial on Marina. Supporters of OPS including Natham R Viswnathan, Ma Foi Pandiyarajan, V Maitreyan and others accompanied him.
Also read: O Panneerselvam breaks silence: Full text of speech
09:15 pm
TN CM O Panneerselvam's convoy is heading towards Jaya's memorial.

09:10 pm
TN Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's convoy moves from his residence.
09:05 pm
Not held against our wishes, we are here as a united family:Thaniyarasu,Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai aGoldeneb Bay Resort. - ANI
09:00 pm
Media persons protesting in front of Kuvathur Golden Bay resort after a suspected AIADMK cadre assaulted a journo @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/dm4HXn1RBs
— J Santhosh (@Santhosh_TNIE) February 14, 2017
8:40 pm
TN CM O Panneerselvam's convoy gets ready to move to undisclosed location.
08:25 pm

08:15 pm
Meanwhile, those from the Panneerselvam camp expressed their confidence post SC verdict. Joint Secretary of the party's IT Wing Hari Prabhakaran took to social media late in the evening.
We have not lost. Let's have patience, any time MLAs will join #OPS Anna.
— Hari Prabhakaran (@Hariadmk) February 14, 2017
08:05 pm
In case Sasikala's camp makes a representation to the Governor that they have elected a new leader for the legislatur party and that the new leader has the support of majority of the MLAs, the Governor will have to ask both the camps to prove their majority. (DETAILS HERE)
07:55 pm
T N Vallinayagam, a former Madras HC judge said that if the concerned person can prove that they were in such a situation that amounted to fraud, coercion or undue influence or force, then the governor can allow them to withdraw their resignation. In this case, Panneerselvam has to prove that he was forced to resign.
07:50 pm
A few former judges and seasoned advocates say that there are three circumstances under which a Governor might decide to accept a request to withdraw the resignation.
07:45 pm
One of the legal questions that looms large is whether the Tamil Nadu governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao can allow caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to withdraw his resignation?
07:30 pm
Chennai police commissioner S George enters Raj Bhavan.
07:25 pm
AIADMK MP Maitreyan who is in the Panneerselvam camp leaves Raj Bhavan.
07:20 pm
Tamil Nadu DGP T K Rajendran enters Raj Bhavan.
07:15 pm
Police personnel move out of the Koovathur resort in large numbers and power supply has been cut in the entire area. Local sources say power was disconnected at Kuvathur since around 11 am this morning.
07:00 pm
Police blocked ECR at Marakanam and diverted the vehicles via Tindivanam on Tuesday as 144 implemented in Kuvathur @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/DvRcaLZPGB
— Bagalavan Perier B (@Bagalavan_TNIE) February 14, 2017
06:55 pm
Edappadi Palanisamy and others reach Koovathur after meeting with the governor.
06:50 pm
Koovathur village almost under siege with police not permitting new vehicles entering the area.
06:45 pm
Edappadi K Palanisami giving letter of his election as AIADMK legis party leader to Governor & staking claim to form Govt @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/kcedGhxFLX
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) February 14, 2017
6:35 pm
Manoj Pandian and Maithreyan from OPS camp enter Raj Bhavan to meet the governor.
06:30 pm
Maitreyan and Manoj Pandian of Panneerselvam faction scheduled to meet TN governor at 7 pm, confirm Raj Bhavan sources.
06:15 pm
TV reports say MLAs from Panneerselvam camp are scheduled to meet TN governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at 7 pm.
06:10 pm
AIADMK MP Navaneethakrishnan declines to give the number of MLAs supporting Edappadi saying the latter would reveal that information.
06:05 pm
Efforts to remove MLAs at Kuvathoor resort illegal, charges AIADMK MP Navaneethakrishnan. He also said that the MLAs are staying at the resort on their volition and any bid to evacuate them is illegal. "Anytime, the Governor may invite Edappadi K Palanisami to form the government," the MP said.
06:00 pm
TV reports say, Panneerselvam has sought time to prove majority.
05:55 pm
Palanisami presents list of MLAs supporting him. PTI
05:50 pm
Senior police officers enter Golden Bay Resort amidst talks of compulsion to produce Sasikala in trial court in Bengaluru.
05:45 pm
Edappadi Palanisamy leaves Raj Bhavan after meeting TN governor. The newly elected legislature party leader from Sasikala camp did not address the press. The meeting, according to TV reports, lasted for ten minutes.
05:40 pm
Edappadi K Palanisami and his party colleagues meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim to form the next government.
05:05 pm
Edappadi K Palanisamy reaches Raj Bhavan.@venkatvp_tnie #OPSvsSasikala pic.twitter.com/PoqLAPqGZH
— gopu mohan (@gopumohan_TNIE) February 14, 2017
04:30 pm
TV reports say, Sasikala may not surrender today as lawyers say that they have not received the copy of the court order. (READ MORE)
04:25 pm
Security outside Governor C Vidyasagar Rao residence has been intensified as he is given an appointment to meet AIADMK Legislature party leader Edapadi K.Palanisamy.
04:20 pm
BJP while urging TN Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to take a decision on the basis of numbers as well as credibility said that appointment of proxy by AIADMK General secretary for TN CM's post can never win people's trust. (READ MORE)
04:15 pm
Late chief minister Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar while speaking to a news channel said, "
Whoever is going to lead AIADMK, shouldn't be a puppet of V KSasikala clan and should be someone whom Jayalalithaa chose."
04:10 pm
Panneerselvam's supporters in Coimbatore celebrate after in SC's DA case verdict that convicted V K Sasikala.
04:05 pm
All eyes on TN governor as Palanisami, who is elected from Sasikala camp, is en route Raj Bhavan.
04:00 pm
TV visuals show Palanisamy leaving Golden Bay Resort to meet TN governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan.
03:55 pm
Central zone IG Varadaraju, Thiruvallur SP Samson along with othe security forces enter resort at Kuvathoor.
03:50 pm
Palanisamy is accompanied by Jayakumar, Valarmathi and possibly other ministers has left in five innova cars from the resort. (READ MORE)
03:45 pm
Edappadi K Palanisamy and his party colleagues leave Kuvathoor to meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao.
03:40 pm
Following invitation from Governor, Edappadi K Palanisami and senior ministers and office bearers to meet Governor at 5.30 pm, confirm sources in Raj Bhavan.
03:35 pm
Governor invites Edappadi K Palanisami following his election as legislature party leader of AIADMK.
03:15 pm
Bengaluru City police, meanwhile, made elaborate security arrangements around Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. (READ MORE)
03:10 pm
According to TV reports, Section 144 has been imposed in Koovathur area to avoid any untoward incident.
03:05 pm
OPS supporters bursting crackers near Vanur at Villupuram on Tuesday after verdict came against Sasikala @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/sbQZgtY0xb
— Bagalavan Perier B (@Bagalavan_TNIE) February 14, 2017
03:00 pm
Jaya TV vehicles being readied to take VK Sasikala from the resort at Kuvathur, according to the police sources.
02:55 pm
O Panneerselvam camp rejected the appointment of Sasikala loyalist Edappady K Palaniswami as AIADMK Legislature Party leader. - PTI
02:50 pm
Police block OPS loyalists including School Education Minister Ma Foi Pandian who were on their way to meet the MLAs who were staying at Golden Bay resort at Kovalam, according to TV reports.
02:45 pm
Centre has no role to play, and the governor will take the final decision based on the situation, said Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on SC's judgment on V K Sasikala. - ANI
02:40 pm
The police forces which entered the resort have not yet taken any action. As per the sources, Sasikala is aware of the SC verdict.
02:35 pm
School Education Minister K Pandiayarajan and all those who support OPS may reach Kuvathoor soon to meet AIADMK MLAs at Golden Bay resort.
02:30 pm
In all, AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala today expelled 19 party functionaries including OPS
02:25 pm
Some more OPS supporters expelled by VK Sasikala include KP Rajendra Prasad, KAK Mugil, Parithi Ellamvazhuthi, E Ponnusamy, V Neelakandan, G Ayyappan, M Muthuramalingam, and S Muthuselvi.
02:20 pm
We (all MLAs) will stay at the resort till Governor calls us, said Palanisamy MLA at Koovathur.
02:15 pm
AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala expels all those who support Panneerselvam. C Ponnaiyan, Natham R Viswanathan, PH Pandian, KP Munusamy, K Panidyarajan are the ones among the expelled.
02:10 pm
The AIADMK party district head quarter wearing deserted look, after the Supreme court judgement in Tiruchy: Express/ M K Ashok Kumar pic.twitter.com/0crQO4yi8i
— ASHOK KUMAR (@ashokkumar_TNIE) February 14, 2017
02:05 pm
AIADMK MLA from Radhapuram, Inbadurai says,"How can OPS celebrate a verdict which convicted Jayalalithaa? Former Minister Natham R Viswanathan says the election of Edappadi K Palanisami as legislature party leader is not valid.
02:00 pm
SC's order says the three surviving accused "would surrender before the Trial Court forthwith" and appeals allowed. (READ MORE)
01:55 pm
AIADMK MLA Inbadurai said the proposed visit of OPS and his supporters are aimed at creating law and order problems
01:50 pm
Deputy Speaker of LS, M Thambidurai says appeal challenging the verdict in DA case will be filed before Supreme Court.
01:45 pm
VK Sasikala and two other convicts have been directed to appear before a Bangalore court by this evening, according to local TV channels.
01:40 pm
Former CM J Jayalalithaa was clean but it was VK Sasikala, who was corrupt and misguided Jayalalithaa and MLAs forcibly lodged in resort should be left free to select legislature party leader, says Tamilsai Soundrajan, TN's BJP chief. (READ MORE)
01:35 pm
AIADMK's leader Navaneethakrishnan warns of law and order problems if O Pannerselvam comes to Kuvathur

01:30 pm
Karnataka HC verdict was based on incorrect arithmetical calculations: Supreme Court on Disproportionate Assets case.
01:25 pm
Adding further Swamy said, "this is a huge encouragement for me from the highest court of the land".
01:20 pm
Meanwhile, Subramanian Swamy seemed much happy with the decision as he said, "We have fought for this for 20 years."
01:15 pm
Letter signed by MLAs supporting Edapadi K Palanisamy as the AIADMK's legislature party leader sent to Governor: AIADMK - ANI
01:10 pm
Edappadi K Palanisami says he was unanimously elected as AIADMK general secretary and has informed the Governor, and is waiting to hear from him.
01:05 pm
Security beefed up across the state post-verdict. (READ MORE)
01:00 pm
Panneerselvam's camp to head to Koovathur resort where nearly 90 AIADMK MLAs staying along with Sasikala.
12:55 pm
E Palanisamy would meet TN governor in-charge and stake claim to form the Government. Once governor asks for proof of majority on the floor of TN assembly, it's going to be a toss up between Panneerselvam and Palanisamy.

12:50 pm
Click here to read the full text of Sasikala judgment.
12:45 pm
I am confident of getting the support of MLA's and complete the 5-year term. We will form a stable government in the name of Amma: Panneerselvam post-SC verdict.
12:40 pm
Amma's soul is still alive, says OPS post-verdict, while thanking all his supporters. "Will maintain peace, and carry out her good works."
12:35 pm
Panneerselvam addresses the media outside his residence. (READ MORE)
12:30 pm
Sasikala names Edappadi Palanisamy to take charge of AIADMK parliamentary party.
12:25 pm
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has appealed to AIADMK MLAs to take the right decision and calls them to bury hatchets & unite for welfare of party
OPS's letter to MLAs. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/UGEceWOXn8
— J Santhosh (@Santhosh_TNIE) February 14, 2017
12:20 pm
Late Jayalalithaa's nephew Deepak Jayakumar also in meeting with V K Sasikala in the Golden Bay Resort. - ANI
12:15 am
Four cadres reportedly picked up by the police.
12:10 am
CPM State secretary G Ramakrishnan welcomes SC verdict in DA case; says the assets of the convicted should be confiscated
12:05 pm
V K Saskikala holding discussions with party MLAs at Koovathur. Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar has reportedly claimed that 125 MLAs are with Sasikala and one of among them would be elected as the legislature party leader.
12:00 pm
Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to leave for Secretariat.
11:55 am
Following the wealth case verdict, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said that fresh elections to the State Assembly should be held.
11:50 am
A large police contingent is present at the resort where AIADMK MLAs have been kept. Express - Sunish P Surendran#OPSvsSasikala pic.twitter.com/F9vWITFmK0
— gopu mohan (@gopumohan_TNIE) February 14, 2017
11:45 am
Intelligence IG Davidson Devasirvatham visits caretaker Chief Minister Panneerselvam now at his residence. (READ MORE)
11:40 am
ADMK caders distribute sweet to welcome the supreme court judgement in Tiruchy: Express/M K Ashok Kumar pic.twitter.com/sBJo5RVi37
— ASHOK KUMAR (@ashokkumar_TNIE) February 14, 2017
11:35 am
Sasikala has always taken Jayalalithaa's burden on her; she has done it again, says AIADMK in tweet
11:30 am
The scene in front of Raj Bhavan. Its resident's next move is what all eyes are now watching for @NewIndianXpress #DACase pic.twitter.com/We6mcoYhbM
— J Santhosh (@Santhosh_TNIE) February 14, 2017
11:25 am
Police have entered Koovathur Resort as Sasikala, MLAs stay put. (DETAILS HERE)
11:20 am
DMK working president MK Stalin, meanwhile, said that the SC verdict in wealth case is a lesson for all those in public life. He also said a special session of TN Assembly should be convened to conduct floor test. (READ MORE)
11:15 am
There is reportedly a chance that a representative from the Sasikala camp is likely to stand as a chief ministerial candidate as she will not be allowed to contest for ten years after conviction.
11:10 am
Elation followed by confusion among the supporters of both Sasikala and Panneerselvam at Poes Garden.
11:05 am
Cadres burst crackers celebrating the SC Verdict in Palacode Dharmapuri @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/yJA3P3Ahqz
— Srikkanth (@Srikkanth_TNIE) February 14, 2017
11:00 am
Police are reportedly evacuating the camping MLAs from the luxury resort at ECR.
10:55 am
All the convicted persons have to serve the remaining part of the sentence. - PTI
10:50 am
ALSO READ: Advantage Panneerselvam, Sasikala conviction puts stop to her CM campaign

10:45 am
SC also restores the fine of RS 10 crore each to all three involved in the DA case.
10:40 am
SC sentences Sasikala to four years in prison and asks her to surrender. This means she can't contest elections for ten years after conviction.
Supporters erupt in joy after hearing verdict in front of TN CM OPS house @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/PX7PjFHmZt
— Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) February 14, 2017
10:35 am
Supreme Court upholds conviction and sentence of Sasikala in the disproportionate assets case after unanimous view of both judges. (DETAILS HERE)
10:30 am
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the top court would convict AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala in disproportionate assets case.
10:25 am
Sasikala has been camping at a heavily-guarded Golden Bay resort at Kuvathoor on the East Coast Road. Over 200 police personnel have been deployed at the luxury resort. (DETAILS HERE)
10:20 am
The Supreme Court is expected to announce the verdict at 10:30 am in Sasikala's disproportionate assets case.
What's the DA Case all about?
The 21-year-old case dates back to 1996 when Subramanian Swamy, then Janata Party chief, filed a case against Jayalalithaa and her aide V K Sasikala alleging that during her first tenure as the Chief Minister from 1991 to 1996, she amassed properties worth Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate to her known sources of income. The other two who were convicted in the DA case were Ilavarasi and Sudhagaran, Sasikala's relatives. (READ MORE)