Delay in swearing-in an attempt to split AIADMK: Sasikala

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary V. K. Sasikala on Saturday stated clearly that the delay in her swearing-in ceremony is nothing but an attempt to "create division in the party", adding that her supporters would be launching a new kind of protest from tomorrow onwards.

"All party MLAs are fine and happy. We were waiting patiently till this moment for a reply from the Governor. Needed measures will be taken. From tomorrow onwards, we would begin a new kind of protest. Delaying tactics is an attempt to create divisions in party," she told reporters after meeting with her MLAs.

When asked about the outcome of the meeting she had with the AIADMK lawmakers at a resort, Sasikala said, "After meeting the party MLAs, I feel happy."

When asked if she would sought any legal remedies in the issue, she said, "Please wait and watch."

Soon after meeting with Sasikala, several party lawmakers pledged their support to her and insisted that it would help in achieving the party's goal if she takes over the reins.

"It will be proper if she takes responsibility. It will help in achieving party's goal," Rengasamy said after meeting with Sasikala.

Another AIADMK leader C. V. Sekar, alleged that they chose to stay in the resort as the rival O. Panneerselvam was trying was trying to 'buy' their support.

"We were offered money to support, but we refused it. In order to escape any detention we have been staying in this resort," he said.

Meanwhile, in a major jolt to the Sasikala camp, senior AIADMK leader and party spokesperson C. Ponniyan joined acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's camp.

"O. Panneerselvam is the only person who can lead the party, no one else can including Sasikala Natarajan," he said.

Few hours later, another AIADMK MP Sathyabama also supported Panneerselvam.

"I extend my support to our leader Paneerselvam, who continues to walk on the path of our beloved leader Amma," she said.

AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP V. Maitreyan earlier today urged President Pranab Mukherjee and the Central Government to take "severe action" against Sasikala, for her "threatening" statement against the state governor.

Earlier in the day, in a letter to Tamil Nadu governor C. Vidyasagar Rao, Sasikala recalled that she had met him on February 9 along with her senior ministers, consequent to her seeking an appointment with him to hand over the letter of party MLAs electing her as their leader.

Sasikala's comments came after Panneerselvam alleged that he was told to quit the Chief Minister's post to protect party's discipline and failure to follow would be a violation of party discipline.

Calling Sasikala as the "temporary general secretary", Panneerselvam said, "The Council can only appoint a temporary general secretary. Proper elections have to be held to elect a general secretary according to the party bye-laws. People are on my side."

The acting Chief Minister also said he has the support of the AIA DMK leaders and would prove his majority in the assembly.