No one can stop my entry into politics: Jaya's niece

 While AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala is busy seeking support from the cadres to run the affairs of the state, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar has decided to take the plunge into politics in an attempt to show her strength to the party.

“No one can stop me from entering politics. I will take a decision at the right time. I am waiting to work for you very soon,” said Deepa, addressing her supporters for the first time.

Deepa said she plans to tour the state and interact with the masses to know her strengths.
Emphasising that she was not afraid of entering politics if people so willed it, Deepa said she will carry forward the work of her aunt Jayalalithaa.

“We will work together with her (Jayalalithaa) blessings,” she said, displaying the victory sign to supporters from her residence here.

Deepa shot into media fame after she was denied permission to see Jayalalithaa in hospital. Deepa is the daughter of Jayalalithaa’s only brother, the late Jayakumar.

Following Jayalalithaa’s demise, posters and banners hailing Deepa were erected in several districts, with supporters urging her to stake her claim over the AIADMK.

A day after Sasikala took over the reins of the party, crowds started thronging Deepa’s house. Based on a request from Deepa, police were deployed at her residence.