As the uncertainty over the next chief minister continued, AIADMK interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala upped the ante on Saturday, saying she had been patient for a long time, but it would last only up to a point. In what is perceived as a threat, she said, beyond that, “We will do what is necessary.”
Ms. Sasikala alleged that the delay (in inviting her to form the government) was aimed at splitting the party.
Speaking at Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence, she said, “We were waiting for the Governor’s decision till today. We plan to protest in a different manner tomorrow [Sunday].”
Earlier, she went in a convoy of SUVs to meet party MLAs at a resort near here.
Earlier in the day after Education Minister K. Pandiarajan and two MPs joined Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam camp, Ms. Sasikala said she remained unfazed as the 1.50 crore cadre who stood by Amma (Jayalalithaa) were still with her and it was her responsibility to keep the party and government intact.
“Some are trying to divide and rule us but they will be defeated eventually. Amma is still with us and is helping us by identifying the traitors,” she said adding “Amma had also faced hurdles but she had overcome them all to build the party into an iron fort.”
"We believe in justice and democracy But we can be patient only for a while. Beyond that we will do what is necessary,” Ms. Sasikala said.
In the morning, she wrote to Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao seeking an appointment (on Saturday itself) along with all MLAs who have extended their support to her to form the government.
Raj Bhavan sources said the Governor has not replied to her letter and indicated that he was likely to wait till the Supreme Court judgement on the Disproportionate Assets case, that is expected early next week.
The Governor met BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday evening.
