Jayalalithaa dismisses Rajya Sabha MP Sasikala Pushpa from party

Ruling AIADMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Monday dismissed the party's Rajya Sabha member L. Sasikala Pushpa from the party after the latter slapped a DMK leader.

In a statement issued here, Jayalalithaa said Pushpa acted against the party's principles and code of conduct and also in a manner that defamed the party.

Jayalalithaa said Pushpa is dismissed from Monday from all party posts and also from the basic membership of the party.

Party members were asked not to have any contact with her.

The dismissal comes after Pushpa slapped DMK's Rajya Sabha member Tiruchi Siva in Delhi airport on Friday evening.

Pushpa said she had slapped Siva as he was making some nasty remarks about Jayalalithaa.

Without any retaliation or making a scene Siva went away.

It was reported that Pushpa was asked by Jayalalithaa to explain her behaviour in the Delhi airport and the reasons for assaulting Siva.

In New Delhi, Pushpa on Monday alleged she was facing a "life threat" and that she was being "compelled to resign".

"I fear threat to my life. I am being compelled to resign from my constitutional post by my leader for whom I have much gratitude."

According to reports, Sasikala visited AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa's residence on Sunday.

"In Tamil Nadu I have no safety... I need protection," Sasikala said but other AIADMK members protested.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien asked her to write to the Chairman about the issue. He also assured other AIADMK members that reference to any person who cannot defend themselves in the house will be deleted.

--IANS

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