NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, OCT 16
‘Thyaga Thai Chinnamma’ VN Sasikala’s visit to Jayalalithaa’s memorial at Marina in Chennai on Saturday, one day prior to the party’s 50th founding day has got politicians and political observers talking.
This is her first visit to Jayalalithaa’s memorial since her release following her four-year-sentence in the disproportionate assets case.
With the AIADMK flag on her vehicle, Sasikala was seen entering the memorial amid chants of “AIADMK general secretary Thyaga Thai Chinnamma” by her supporters. With tears in her eyes, the close aide of Jayalalithaa was spotted paying a floral tribute to the once political maestro.
Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu | VK Sasikala visits Jayalalithaa memorial, pays tribute to Amma.
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Talking to reporters following the tribute, Sasikala exuberated confidence in her ability to revive AIADMK. “I have spent three-fourths of my life with Jayalalithaa. It’s been over four years since I visited the memorial. At the Jaya memorial, I have heaved the burden off my chest. I am sure Jayalalithaa and MGR will protect the scores of AIADMK cadre,” she was quoted saying.
Her visit to the memorial site was however not taken well by the party members who expressed displeasure at her presence and also refuted claims of her making a comeback into politics.
“Sasikala has no place in the AIADMK. Her arrival at Amma Memorial has no political impact, she is just one among many benefactors of Jayalalithaa. If she wants a place in politics, AMMK is the right place. For her acting, she may get an Oscar award but no place in AIADMK,” party spokesperson and former minister D Jayakumar was quoted saying.
Ahead of this year’s assembly election, Sasikala has announced that she cannot ‘tolerate’ the decline of the party. “Coming soon, to set the party on right track. I cannot anymore tolerate the decline of the party. Taking everyone along is the party style, let’s unite,” she said in a statement. Ahead of the April 6 election, she had said she would stay away from politics. Now Sasikala has said she cannot see the party getting ruined due to ‘infighting’.
