Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Tuesday said that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)’s former interim general secretary and former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s aide, V.K. Sasikala, would carry on the legal battle in re-gaining her control over the ruling party.
Addressing reporters after accompanying Ms. Sasikala during her return to Chennai early Tuesday morning, Mr. Dhinakaran said that with his aunt having come out of jail, steps would be taken to hasten the process for hearing over a petition filed by her at the Madras High Court. She had challenged the conduct of an AIADMK general council meeting in which she was sidelined. In his interaction with the media, he identified her as the "general secretary" of the AIADMK.
Also read: News Analysis | Of Sasikala’s return and political unease
The AMMK was the “democratic weapon” to be used for the purpose of regaining control of the AIADMK. It was founded with the objective of “retrieval of the AIADMK and establishment of a genuine Amma ‘s[Jayalalithaa] regime.” It had also been formed so that his supporters could contest in elections under a common symbol.
Mr. Dhinakaran reiterated that “all efforts will be made to prevent the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) from coming back to power."
Earlier in the day — at about 4-15 a.m. — Ms Sasikala visited the residence of the AIADMK's founder M.G. Ramachandran in Ramapuram, near Chennai, and paid respects to the leader and his wife Janaki Ramachandran [whose mausoleum is located there.]
Later, she reached T. Nagar, the current place of her residence, after accepting greetings from her supporters en route. The AMMK leader said it took nearly 24 hours for her to reach Chennai from Bengaluru by road.
On the reception that his aunt had received, Mr Dhinakaran said this had “demonstrated the perception of people that she had not committed any offence.” He asserted that those who had assembled at various points along the stretch of Bengaluru-Chennai "have come on their own. At several places, I noticed the AIADMK’s party flag being displayed.”
He contended that when he had got his party registered with the Election Commission, the panel had intimated to him that its jurisdiction was over only the name and symbol of parties. “It has nothing to do with a party’s flag.”
On attempts to bring the AIADMK and the AMMK together, he replied that though he could not hazard a guess, he was confident that the unification would happen. “The timing of such an event is in the hands of people.” To a query about reports of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wanting the coming together of the two parties, he answered that he had “no information” about any party seeking to mediate between the two.
As for his plans to contest in the Assembly election, the AMMK founder said he would try his luck again from R.K. Nagar [where he got elected in December 2017] and a constituency in Theni district, which he had earlier represented in the Lok Sabha. As far as the AIADMK’s former interim general secretary was concerned, it was known that “as on date, she cannot contest in the poll. However, I strongly believe that she can take part, making use of provisions in the law. We can seek judicial remedy too.”
He added that veteran actor Rajinikanth had spoken to him and enquired the health of Ms Sasikala. Mr. Dhinakaran thanked the media for having “covered extensively” the return of Ms Sasikala.
