The Governor is right in delaying the decision on inviting AIADMK general secretary V.K.Sasikala to form the government in view of the impending Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate case against her, former president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee EVKS Elangovan said on Monday.
The Governor had to keep in mind factors such as Ms. Sasikala’s actions such as “forcible confinement” of party MLAs before taking a decision, Mr. Elangovan told mediapersons.
At a recent discussion senior leaders from the State had with All India Congress Committee vice-president Rahul Gandhi, a decision was taken “never to support” Ms. Sasikala, he said. The decision was based on the groundswell of antipathy women and youth had towards her, he added.
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Since the Congress did not intend to interfere in the affairs of AIADMK, no support would be extended to Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam as well, Mr. Elangovan said. He, however, defended his praise of the Chief Minister for his actions such response in the aftermath of floods, bringing an the ordinance in support for jallikattu and securing drinking water for Chennai from Andhra Pradesh.
Not his view
When pointed out that the present TNCC president Thirunavakkarasar had taken a different stand on the issue, Mr. Elangovan said it was his (Mr. Thirunavakkarasar’s) “personal view”.
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According to Mr. Elangovan, Ms. Sasikala was left only with 89 supporting MLAs. He, however, was glad that Gobichettipalayam MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan, his “good friend”, was in the reckoning for the post of Chief Minister.