A group of supporters of former MLA Tiruchi K. Soundararajan, who was among those openly supported former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s niece J. Deepa after the appointment of V.K. Sasikala as interim general secretary of the AIADMK, on Sunday decided to join the AIADMK faction led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam.
Speaking to The Hindu after presiding over a meeting of supporters, who had taken part in enrolling members for Deepa Peravai, Mr. Soundararajan said that the style of functioning of Ms. Deepa had disappointed the leaders and cadres, who rallied behind her after Ms. Sasikala took over the reign of the AIADMK. However, Ms. Deepa had failed to use the palpable anger against Sasikala.
Mr. Soundararajan said that Ms. Deepa had no clarity on various issues. She should have been the first person to raise doubts over the sudden death of Jayalalithaa when people of the State had serious doubts over her death. There were many contradictions between Deepa and her husband. It had confused the cadres, who hoped that she would be the future leader of the State.
Hence, Mr. Soundararajan said it had been decided to join OPS. He would lead a group of Deepa Peravai to meet Mr. Panneerselvam in Chennai on Monday. Ms. Deepa should also work with Mr. Panneerselvam to strengthen the AIADMK, he said.
Meanwhile, a section of MGR Amma Deepa Peravai, who took strong exception to Mr. Soundararajan for spreading rumours of dissolving Deepa Peravai, burnt the pictures of him near Anna statue.
Led by M.C. Sankar of Varaganeri the protesters burnt his pictures. Ten members were arrested for burning the pictures.
They said that no one had dissolved Deepa Peravai in Tiruchi district. Mr. Soundararajan had made wild allegations against Deepa without any basis. They would continue to function in the Peravai led by Deepa, they said.
