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Sasikala likely to succeed Jaya as AIADMK gen secy

Last Updated 10 December 2016, 19:37 IST

With the backing of senior party leaders, Sasikala, the close aide of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, is likely to take over the top post of the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

 The Poes Garden “Vedha Nilayam” in the city, the residence of Jayalalithaa, was busy in the last couple of days with senior party leaders and ministers having discussions with Sasikala and evinced interest that she should be the successor of Jayalalithaa in the party.

Senior AIADMK leader C Ponnaiyan said there was no rift in the party with regard to the selection of its general secretary.

On Saturday, a plea urging her to step into the shoes of Jayalalithaa was made by a delegation of leaders, including AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusudanan and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Thambidurai, when they called on Sasikala or ‘Chinnamma’, as she is referred to by party workers, at the Poes Garden residence of the late chief minister.

“After Amma it is only Chinnamma. Chinnamma follows Amma’s footsteps,” said Thambidurai, whose name was doing the rounds for the post, adding that he told Sasikala that the party and welfare of the people was in her hands.

“We told her that we are with you,” he said.  “We all requested ‘Chinamma’ to take over as the party chief to put an end to the rumours,” AIADMK senior party leader K A Sengottaiyan said.

There was a speculation that Sasikala was the front runner for the party's general secretary position. The AIADMK confirmed it by announcing that Jayalalithaa’s close aide should take over the party. Though Sasikala gave a patient hearing, she did not express her interest in the request made by AIADMK leaders.

Commenting on Sasikala’s role in the party, AIADMK spokesperson C Ponnaiyan said, “She (Sasikala) is an important factor in the party. She also lived with Amma Moreover, she was with her (Jayalalithaa) till her last breath.

As the senior leaders expressed interest to elevate Sasikala, a formal announcement is expected to be made at AIADMK general council meeting to be held this month.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided to recommend Jayalalithaa for the Bharat Ratna, and to propose to the Centre to install her life-size bronze statue in Parliament complex.




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(Published 10 December 2016, 19:37 IST)

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