Subsequently, around five legislators, one sitting MP, party old-timers, former legislators and others have started expressing their support to Panneerselvam. “Everyone has a limit to maintain peace”, she said.
Chennai: Dramatic developments unfolded in Tamil Nadu on Saturday in the ongoing battle within the ruling AIADMK to form the next Government with Chief Minister O Panneerselvam drawing School Education Minister “Ma Foi” K Pandiarajan and three Lok Sabha MPs to his camp.
He said Panneerselvam had already been “selected as Chief Minister by Amma” and added that he was an “unassuming leader” like the Dravidian ideologue CN Annadurai.
Tamil director, producer, and actor Manobala extends support to Panneerselvam. Former minister MM Rajendra Prasad also switched to the former chief minister’s camp. Tamil writer Vasanthi in her book, Amma: Jayalalithaa’s Journey from Movie Star to Political Queen, wrote how Jayalalithaa supporters disliked her relationship with Sasikala.
Maitreyan said some more state ministers are expected to join hands with Panneerselvam.
Sasikala, on her part, had made calculated moves right from the beginning, while cleverly putting up a facade of indifference to power.
She accused Sasikala of favouring those who were “rejected” by late Jayalalithaa. He will soon meet leaders from both the political factions.
She said Panneerselvam would “continue in office” and fulfil all the schemes that were envisioned by Amma for the people.
The final call will be taken by the Governor either in this week or on Monday.
She also voiced Pannerselvam’s choice phrase of “dharma will triumph”.
Subramanian Swamy pitched into the matter saying the Tamil Nadu governor must decide CM issue by tomorrow otherwise a WP under Art 32 of the Constitution can be filed charging abetment of horse trading. R.P. Marutharajaa (Perambalur), B. Senguttuvan (Vellore) and Jayasingh Thiyagaraj Natterjee (Tuticorin) visited Panneerselvam at his residence here. “All of us should work towards this goal”.
The AIADMK chief met party MLAs who are staying at a resort on the outskirts of Chennai, and assured them that she would provide a good government, similar to that of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
Why is Sasikala in a hurry to take over and why is Pannerselvam revolting against her leadership?
“We are waiting for his reply”.
“Things which are happening now are not new to us”.
Rajbhavan however is sticking to its guns that the governor is not constitutionally bound to invite a leader who is not a member of the assembly, to form the government, more so when there is a visible split in the party.