TN power tussle: Sasikala has majority, what is governor waiting for, asks Swamy

As the power struggle within the AIADMK shows no sign of reduction, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy on Monday said that party general secretary VK Sasikala should be invited to form the next government as she has the overwhelming support of her MLAs.

"Sasikala gave a list of MLAs, Panneerselvam did not. She has a majority. What is the governor waiting for?" Swamy told ANI.

"I don't understand what is the power tussle all about. The only decision is waited of the governor which is overdue. Sasikala has got 139 MLAs, which is a clear majority, with all the signature of party members. And Sasikala offered to present them in person. And Panneerselvam has not presented even a single paper. I don't understand why are they waiting for," he added.

Amid the escalating political tension in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court is likely to hear the plea seeking a stay on the swearing-in ceremony of Sasikala.

This comes after the top court last week refused to grant an urgent hearing on a PIL that sought to put on hold Sasikala's swearing-in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it passed a judgment in the disproportionate assets case against her.

A bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice N V Ramana and Justice D Y Chandrachud said "sorry declined" as the petitioner urged the bench to hear the plea.

The PIL was filed by Chennai resident Senthil Kumar, General Secretary of NGO Satta Panchayat Iyakkam.

Kumar has contended that if Sasikala is convicted and is forced to resign, there is a possibility of riots erupting all over Tamil Nadu.

He said law and order may worsen in such an eventuality as the state was already facing a "desperate situation" due to cyclone, demonetization and death of Jayalalithaa.

The petitioner claimed in case the appeal against her acquittal results in conviction, the AIADMK workers may once again protest and disturb the normal life of Tamil Nadu, adding that he filed the plea in the interest of people of Tamil Nadu and to maintain the peace in the state.

Earlier, Sasikala had stated clearly that the delay in her swearing-in ceremony is nothing but an attempt to "create division in the party".