Sasikala camp divided: Will leaders cross over to Panneerselvam camp?
In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing political showdown in Tamil Nadu, official sources from AIADMK suggested, "few ministers and senior leaders from the Sasikala camp are likely to join the Panneerselvam faction in the coming days". The information has come to light after a meeting at Panneerselvam's house on Sunday, believed to be attended by key persons.
Sasikala camp divided: Will leaders cross over to Panneerselvam camp?
In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing political showdown in Tamil Nadu, official sources from AIADMK suggested, "few ministers and senior leaders from the Sasikala camp are likely to join the Panneerselvam faction in the coming days". The information has come to light after a meeting at Panneerselvam's house on Sunday, believed to be attended by key persons.
Second split since 1987
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has split ahead of elections for the RK Nagar seat, previously occupied by Jayalalithaa. The Party broke into AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) led by Panneerselvam and the AIADMK (Amma) led by Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran.
Why is this important?
Former CM Jayalalithaa's demise in December 2016 triggered a succession battle, making the state spiral into chaos, with factions led by her former aides Sasikala and Panneerselvam squabbling for top positions in the party and the government. Crossover rumours come along amidst reports of deepening internal differences within the Sasikala camp following the cancellation of the RK Nagar by-election after the cash-for vote scandal.
Cash for vote: Election commission says time out
Documents seized in income tax raids against health Minister Vijayabaskar revealed that the Sasikala faction paid Rs. 4000 per voter with the aim of buying their votes spending a total sum of Rs. 89crore on the same. The Election commission cancelled polling following the revelation.
What is causing cracks within the Sasikala faction?
The ruling faction, AIADMK (Amma) is under dual pressure. While leaders from within the party are said to be rebelling against Dhinakaran, a vocal DMK is pressuring the government on issues like farmers suicide. Dhinakaran further faces resentment for throwing money in RK Nagar, attracting IT raids on health minister Vijayabaskar. He faces pressure to drop Vijayabaskar and three other ministers from the party.
Dhinakaran charged for attempting to bribe the EC
Delhi Police on Monday has charged Dhinakaran for his alleged attempt to pay Rs. 50 crore to the Election Commission for the party's frozen two leaves symbol. The allegations can further serve to deteriorate Dhinakaran's legitimacy within the Sasikala camp, making AIADMK merger more likely. Responding to the charges, he noted, "these allegations are being spread to destroy the Party's name".
AIADMK Amma ousts Sasikala and kin from party
Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK Amma party has expelled Sasikala and her kin "considering the views of the cadres and the public." TN Finance minister D Jayakumar, echoed Panneerselvam's sentiments, saying "No one family can control the party and the government. It is the wish of late CM J. Jayalalithaa." A new panel would also be formed to oversee the party's day-to-day functioning.
Panneerselvam faction puts preconditions for AIADMK merger
The AIADMK faction headed by former Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam wants the other faction to withdraw affidavits filed with the EC designating V K Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran as the general secretary and deputy general secretary. They also want the TN govt to request a CBI probe into Amma's death. Without fulfilling these conditions, they said no merger would be possible.
