MADURAI: Expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, who was a close associate of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, on Tuesday floated a new political party, without revealing its name, and unveiled its flag, marking her formal re-entry into active politics after nine years of political hibernation.
The party’s name would be announced later. The flag features black, white and red colours, along with portraits of Dravidian icons CN Annadurai, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.
Speaking at a public meeting at Kottaimedu near Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district, Sasikala said, “I remained silent all these years hoping for unity, but the present circumstances have forced me to take this decision.”
Recalling the developments after Jayalalithaa’s death in 2016, Sasikala said dissent, administrative interference and betrayal weakened the AIADMK, compelling her to assume the party’s leadership to prevent a split.
Referring to the events that unfolded at Jayalalithaa’s memorial, Sasikala alleged that the “dharma yudham” launched by O Panneerselvam was instigated by external forces.
Speaking about her incarceration in 2017 in the disproportionate assets case, Sasikala alleged that the leaders she chose to lead the government turned hostile towards her and orchestrated her removal from the post of AIADMK general secretary.
“With very little time left before reporting to the Parapana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru, I convened a meeting of AIADMK MLAs, secured letters of support and facilitated the appointment of a successor as chief minister,” she said without naming Edappadi K Palaniswami, who according to her is “not worth mentioning.”
Sasikala further alleged that she faced threat to life from the then TN government and hence chose to remain in the Bengaluru prison. “Senior leader KA Sengottaiyan suggested that I shift to Chennai prison but I refused.
Had I been moved there, given the political situation at that time, I might have faced danger to life or been subjected to unnecessary allegations and propaganda.” she said. She also alleged that the AIADMK leadership tried to arrest her upon her release for using the AIADMK flag in the car while travelling to Chennai.
Reacting to the party launch, AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran said 99.9% of her former supporters are with AIADMK and AMMK now.
Won’t join DMK or float party: OPS
Theni: Ousted AIADMK leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday said he would neither join the DMK nor float a new political party. Speaking to reporters, Panneerselvam described as media speculation news about him forming a party and joining the DMK. “I will not start a separate party under any circumstances. I have endured many betrayals. What stand should I take now? Should I join a monastery?,” he asked reporters.
