Tussle in AIADMK exposes instability in state politics: Jayalalithaa's niece

A day after Tamil Nadu politics took a major shift following the revelation made by acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar on Wednesday said, that incident exposes the instability in the state politics.

"As I said earlier, there is instability. So, now we have a very clear picture of instability arising in Tamil Nadu politics. We have to wait and see," she told ANI.

She however, further refused to make comment on the offer made by Panneerselvam to join him and said that it is good to just wait and watch.

Earlier in the day, ahead of a probable floor test to determine the majority in the House, Sasikala bused all 131 MLAs supporting her to an unknown location, fearing horse-trading.

As per reports, all the MLAs were taken to an unknown hotel, where they would be kept till the time they meet President Pranab Mukherjee to prove majority in the support of Sasikala.

Sasikala accused the Tamil Nadu acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam of colluding with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), while adding that he would not be spared following his "betrayal".

"Our opponents are after us and spearheading whatever is happening today, but nothing can stop us from following Amma's path. Panneerselvam colluded with the party which Amma fought against. I could sense the acts of Chief Minister who completely connived with the opposition. We will give a big blow to the act of betrayal and disloyalty," Sasikala told his party members which was received with rousing reception.

Sasikala said she was initially reluctant to take the responsibility of the Chief Minister as she was struck with grief following former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's death.

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 earlier today 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."

He said he would also seek the support of Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar, saying "I have always had respect for Amma's brother's children. I will give Deepa the respect she needs.

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