: Some of the AIADMK MLAs housed in a private resort near Chennai have claimed that the Sasikala faction leaders are seeking to convince them that the needs of their respective constituencies would be taken care of adequately during the next four years if they remained with her. They are repeatedly being told that Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam is only acting at the behest of the DMK, which was identified by MGR and Jayalalithaa as “evil force”.
According to a family member of an MLA from the western region, the legislator was initially inclined to supporting Mr. Panneerselvam after hearing him speak at the Jayalalithaa memorial on Monday night.
“On that night, I spoke to my uncle at around 10 p.m. He was inclined towards joining the OPS camp. But, after he and other MLAs were taken to the resort in Koovathur, he is now indicating that he would lean towards Ms. Sasikala,” a family member said. “He didn’t tell me whether money was offered, but he is afraid that his political career is at stake. He has been told that MLAs will be given free rein in their constituencies,” the family member added.
Meanwhile, a section of people are continuing to call the MLAs and other AIADMK leaders urging them not to back Ms. Sasikala for the Chief Minister’s post. AIADMK spokesperson C.R. Saraswathi claimed that she has been getting abusive calls from those supporting Mr. Panneerselvam. “I am being threatened. I can prove it. I will lodge an official complaint,” she claimed.
Call from ‘voters’
Meanwhile, two conversations with ‘voters’ purportedly involving Alexander, who was elected from the Ambattur constituency in Chennai, and Sankari MLA S. Raja in Salem went viral on social media networks.
Speaking to a voter in his constituency, Alexander said that he would do anything to help the people of his constituency with respect to their civic needs but he should not be questioned on who he must support.
“Your opinion is not needed. You voted for me and you ask me if you want anything. Who I support is my personal wish,” Mr. Alexander is purportedly heard saying. At the end of what was a decent conversation, Mr. Alexander, who seemed to be unmindful of the fact that he is still connected on call, is heard abusing the caller.
In the audio recording purported to be featuring Sankari MLA Raja, he is heard threatening a voter who had called up to give his opinion. “Who are you? Where do you live in Sankari? Give me your address,” the MLA reportedly told the caller, adding that he would trace the caller with the help of the police and have him bashed within 10 days. The caller appeared to be intimidated and said he would not make such calls.
