Few hours after he surprised everyone by revolting against AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam was sacked as the party treasurer by the CM-designate early Wednesday.
While the split in AIADMK is out in the open, suspense over Sasikala’s swearing in continues, with governor C Vidyasagar Rao again putting off his return to Chennai.
Sasikala lashed out at Panneerselvam for playing into the hands of the DMK, blaming the rival party of trying to foment trouble in AIADMK.
Panneerselvam gave several reasons for why he chose to speak up against Sasikala. Here are some:
1 I decided to speak as spirit of Amma goaded me to speak the truth.
2 I had to resign under duress and pressure. I was forced to resign by Sasikala, her relatives and ministers.
3 Sasikala was getting irked because of my growing popularity.
4 Sasikala definitely did not like the efficiency with which I was governing the state.
{{/usCountry}}4 Sasikala definitely did not like the efficiency with which I was governing the state.
{{/usCountry}}5 The CM’s post was tarnished and I was being trampled upon.
6 My own ministers were openly talking of replacing me with Sasikala. Even governor VIdyasagar Rao had asked me what was going on in my own cabinet.
7 (I felt) Hurt and let down by MLAs who were plotting behind my back to oust me.
8 I could not take the humiliation lying down and decided to fight.
9 My only intention and commitment was to save AIADMK and Tamil Nadu. (I) will carry forward Amma’s ideals, policies and programmes. This was under threat from Sasikala and her supporters.
10 No one was allowed to meet Jayalalithaa in hospital. Every day, we were told she would return home.