AIADMK MP alleges harassment, assault by J Jayalalithaa

Sasikala Pushpa says she is being forced to quit MP's post; dismissed from AIADMK for her remarks

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AIADMK’s Rajya Sabha member Sasikala Pushpa on Monday alleged that the party’s chief, J Jayalalithaa, harassed and slapped her on Sunday. She also alleged that the leader was forcing her to quit from the MP’s (Member of Parliament) post. The party went on to suspend Pushpa “for bringing disrepute to the party”.

“There is a threat to my life. I am being compelled to resign from my constitutional post by my leader, but I will not resign. I was harassed and slapped by her yesterday," she alleged. Pushpa also said that the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, M Thambidurai, was also present when the incident took place.

In an emotional speech at the Rajya Sabha, Pushpa also offered an unconditional apology to DMK's leader and fellow Rajya Sabha member Trichy Siva, who she slapped on Sunday at Delhi Airport. “It was outcome of my emotional outburst when he (Trichy Siva) criticised my leader (Jayalalithaa) and the party (AIADMK),” said Pushpa.

Speaking at the Rajya Sabha today she said she got respect and gratitude to Jayalalithaa, but the party leader can't force her to resign.

Pushpa also raised questions, on women safety in the country.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said that Government will take care of her protection and asked her to approach the Chairman of the House. He was responding after Congress swung into support for Pushpa and they also asked the Deputy Chairman to allow Pushpa to speak in this matter at the house.