Recent developments representative of a divide in AIADMK: DMK

The recent political drama in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazakham (AIADMK) has revoked variety of reactions from political parties. The Dravida Munnetra Kazakham (DMK) has attacked the ruling party in the state and remarked that the recent developments show there is clear divide in the party.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan also criticised Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for not turning up on time for the swearing-in ceremony of AIADMK supremo V.K. Sasikala as the Chief Minister.

"The recent developments show that there is clear divide in the party. Majority of the MLAs are aligning with Sasikala. What can Pannerselvam do if the majority does not support him?" Elangovan told ANI

"That is the prerogative of the Governor. Before swearing-in, he has to perform his duties. After accepting the resignation of the incumbent chief minister, he has to necessarily swear-in the next chief minister. I don't know what's in his mind. Maybe he is waiting for the Supreme Court's decision," he added.

The events in the AIADMK unfolded minutes after Pannerselvam was removed from the post of the party's treasurer. Sasikala waved and flashed victory sign to her supporters at her Poes Garden residence and said she had not forced Pannerselvam for anything.

Sasikala held the DMK responsible for the upheaval in their party and said she saw the opposition party leader and Pannerselvam exchanging smile and warmth in a recent assembly session.

Pannerselvam retorted to the sardonic remarks and tweeted that smiling wasn't a crime.

Dropping unannounced at the Marina beach, Pannerselvam earlier in the day set tongues wagging by meditating near his predecessor Jayalalithaa's memorial and then proceeding to tear into Sasikala.

He then said he was forced to step down from his post and pave way for Sasikala, revealing that Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar, has suggested Sasikala to take over his post.

He further went on to assert that he will even take back his resignation if party workers and the people of the state want him to.