Ms Sasikala staked claim to form government two days ago, but the Governor is yet to indicate what his next step will be. Sources have said he is inclined to wait till the Supreme Court gives verdict in a corruption case against her. The verdict is expected next week. If found guilty, Ms Sasikala will not be able to hold public office or contest election.
Seeking an appointment with the Governor today, Ms Sasikala, in the note – her third to the Governor – said that “it has been seven long days” since Mr Panneerselvam resigned as Chief Minister, citing the “urgency of the situation”.
Sasikala who staked claim to form government earlier this week with the support of 129 party legislators, has reportedly been assured by the Governor that she will get the first shot at forming government, but he needs time to address the objections raised by Mr Panneerselvam. Ms Sasikala has claimed she has the support of 129 party legislators.
Mr Panneerselvam has alleged that Ms Sasikala is holding party legislators in captivity and that they were made to sign blank sheets of paper which are now being used by Ms Sasikala to stake claim to form government. He has alleged that some signatures were forged.
Governor Rao reportedly wants the signatures that Ms Sasikala has submitted as proof of support in her party to be authenticated. He also met the state’s police chief and top bureaucrats on Friday.
Earlier today, minister Pandiarajan put out a loaded tweet, sparking speculation that he could be considering walking over to the Panneerselvam camp.”Will surely listen to the collective voice of my voters & decide in a way to uphold the dignity of Amma’s memory & unity of AIADMK !,” he tweeted.
While Ms Sasikala has so far been backed by an overwhelming majority in her party, public opinion has distinctly tilted towards Mr Panneerselvam continuing as the state’s chief minister.
He was twice handpicked by former chief minister and powerful party chief J Jayalalithaa when she had to resign over corruption cases and was tasked by the governors to handle administrative affairs during her prolonged stay in hospital last year.
On the other hand, Ms Sasikala has never contested an election within her party or outside. She draws her enormous support in the party from having been Ms Jayalalithaa or Amma’s closest companion for years. The party cadre calls her ‘chinamma’ or mother’s younger sister.
