AIADMK Leaders Condemn Sasikala's Allegations Against Palaniswami
The AIADMK party has launched a sharp counterattack against expelled leader V K Sasikala following her critical remarks directed at party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. The controversy erupted after Sasikala made statements at a public gathering in Pasumpon earlier this week, prompting senior AIADMK officials to accuse her of disseminating misinformation in a bid to regain relevance after being marginalized from the party's affairs.
Munusamy Accuses Sasikala of Financial Exploitation and Broken Promises
AIADMK deputy general secretary K P Munusamy led the charge, delivering a scathing rebuke of Sasikala's background and conduct. He highlighted her family's origins, stating, "This is a family that once operated a modest photography studio but later exploited the party's resources to amass wealth worth crores of rupees." Munusamy further condemned her recent allegations against Palaniswami as entirely baseless and reprehensible.
In a detailed recounting of past events, Munusamy reminded the public that Sasikala was expelled from the residence of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He noted that she had provided a written commitment pledging to abstain from political activities and to remain solely as a supportive sister figure to Jayalalithaa. However, Munusamy alleged that Sasikala violated this assurance shortly after Jayalalithaa's passing, engaging in political maneuvers that included pressuring O Panneerselvam to resign from the chief minister's post in an attempt to seize the position for herself—a move that he claimed was thwarted by dharma or moral justice.
Party Unity and Leadership Support Emphasized
Another deputy general secretary, Vaigai Selvan, reinforced the party's stance by emphasizing the AIADMK's robust grassroots foundation. He asserted that the organization is a mass movement built by dedicated cadres and cannot be undermined by individual attacks or divisive rhetoric. Selvan affirmed that Palaniswami currently leads the party with strong backing from its members and that the entire organization stands firmly united behind his leadership.
Contrasting with this show of solidarity, former AIADMK minister Sellur Raju adopted a more cautious approach when questioned by reporters about Sasikala's allegations. He declined to offer any comments, indicating a possible divergence in responses within the party ranks.
Sasikala's Political Aspirations and Future Plans
Amidst the escalating tensions, Sasikala addressed the media at Chennai airport, revealing her intentions to participate in the upcoming Assembly elections. She disclosed that her political faction is actively engaged in discussions to determine whether it will contest independently or form alliances with other political fronts. This announcement signals her continued ambition to influence Tamil Nadu's political landscape despite her expulsion from the AIADMK.
The ongoing feud underscores the deep-seated rifts within the AIADMK, as both sides prepare for potential electoral confrontations. The party's leadership remains focused on consolidating support around Palaniswami while countering what they describe as Sasikala's destabilizing tactics.
