In a surprising development, O Panneerselvam, who resigned as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Sunday, alleged that certain members of the ruling AIADMK party forced him to resign and support VK Sasikala as the chief minister.
Claiming that he wished to “clear his conscience”, Panneerselvam said he wanted to reveal some truths to “save the AIADMK party and Tamil Nadu”.
In response, party general secretary Sasikala removed him as AIADMK treasurer after an emergency meeting with party leaders and cabinet ministers. She further said that he would be removed from the party itself.
updates:
11:05am: Panneerselvam promises to meet people in every part of the state. I will prove my majority and lead the people,” says Panneerselvam.
11:01am: “I will give Deepa (Jayalalithaa’s niece) the respect she deserves. I will ask Deepa to join me. I have always respected Amma’s brother’s children.”
He dismisses allegations that he’s backed by BJP: “It is a lie.”
11:00am: “The council can only appoint a temporary general secretary. Elections must be held as per party rules”: Panneerselvam.
10:55am: “Doubts about Amma’s health still prevail. A probe commission will be set up under a retired SC judge” says Panneerselvam. He also says that he will meet the state governor Vidyasagar Rao as soon as he arrives in Chennai.
10:53am: “Health queries regarding Amma raised in recent past. It’s the duty of the state government to enquire. Recommended an enquiry commission,” says Panneerselvam.
10:51am: “Amma remained CM for nearly 16 years, I happened to become CM twice,all this was the wish of Amma. Always followed Amma’s path,” Panneerselvam says.
10:47am: “There has been no instance where I have betrayed the party, while remaining in power or opposition. If party cadres ask me to withdraw my resignation, I will do that,” says Panneerselvam.
10:45am: O Panneerselvam to address reporters at his residence shortly.
10:45am: Chinamma will be Tamil Nadu chief minister undoubtedly, all AIADMK MLAs are behind her: AIADMK MP, Navaneethakrishnan tells ANI.
10:30am: AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP V Maitreyan reaches O Panneerselvam’s residence in Chennai. “My conscience as Amma loyalist made me join Panneerselvam,” says Maitreyan.
10:15am: More police personnel deployed around Jayalalithaa’s memorial at Chennai’s Marina Beach.
10:10am: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy weighs in, says Sasikala should be sworn-in as chief minister, if delayed “it’ll be violence against Constitution” and the President will need to intervene.
9:50am: Ahead of AIADMK MLAs meet at the party headquarters, Sasikala meets leaders including M Thambidurai at Poes Garden, reports ANI
9:40am: Panneerselvam spoke to reporters on Wednesday morning. “I don’t understand Sasikala’s rush to become the chief minister, does she not understand the situation in Tamil Nadu,” he said. He also refuted allegations that the BJP was behind his decision to revolt, saying, “My actions are my personal decisions.”
9:10am: “How can DMK be behind this,” asks TKS Elangovan, responding to Sasikala’s allegation. “How can they blame us for their infighting? How can we support O Panneerselvam when he’s the Opposition?We’re a major party and we want to come back to power and expose AIADMK’s wrongdoings.”
