My political foray begins today: Deepa’s V-Day gift

Talking to reporters, Deepa said, “My political foray starts from today. The Chief Minister and I will both function as two hands of the AIADMK.” She had earlier announced that she would reveal her political intentions on February 24, Jayalalithaa’s birthday.

Earlier during the day, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said, “We will form the government without any support, without even the support of the Opposition parties.” 

Addressing a huge gathering at his Greenways road residence an hour after the Supreme Court announced its verdict against AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala, he said, “The court verdict proved that Jayalalithaa’s spirit still guided the party.” 

Earlier a press release circulated among the media called on MLAs – it was ostensibly meant to be circulated among MLAs at Koovathur - to ponder over why the public and party cadre had elected them to power.

He said it was the duty of MLAs to act in the way shown by the public as this would ensure a good name for the state and assure continued support for good governance. Hence, MLAs keeping this scenario in mind should take a decision based on their conscience -- to ensure party unity and a good name for the state.

Later in the evening, former MP Manoj Pandian accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Dr V Maitreyan called on Governor Vidyasagar Rao to appraise him of the day’s developments after the Supreme Court verdict against VK Sasikala and her relatives in the disproportionate assets case.