Reporter’s diary: Lack of screentime for TTV a sign of rift in the family?

In an indication of a rift within Manargudi clan, the Jaya TV — once a flag bearer of Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK -- seems to be playing down the news of Dhinakaran and his party AMMK while providing space for the ruling party and the principal opposition DMK.

 The change in the Jaya TV’s political stance comes amid rumours of a rift in the family of VK Sasikala, a close of aide of late chief minister Jayalalithaa. Jaya TV is being managed by Vivek Jayaraman, son of Sasikala’s brother Jayaraman while her nephew Dhinakaran manages the party. 

 Already rumours are abuzz that Sasikala, who is undergoing prison term in the Jayalalithaa disproportionate asset case, has refused to meet Dhinakaran. Sources said that editorial of the news channel have been asked not to play up the news of Dhinakaran anymore as the channel’s rating has plummeted over the month.

 The news team of Jaya TV has also been asked to cover the news of the arch rival AIADMK including chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam. The channel also broadcasted live news feed of DMK protest regarding the Jammu and Kashmir issue in New Delhi last week.

 It appears that after the electoral debacle, the Jaya TV’s neutral stance is the next major blow for Dhinakaran.