Reporter’s diary: Inclusion of leaders from other camps hurts AIADMK loyalists

After the Lok Sabha and the Assembly bypoll drubbing, office bearers of AMMK has deserting it for AIADMK and DMK. AMMK’s propaganda secretary Thanga Thamilselvan joined the DMK, while several office bearers, including vociferous spokesperson Sasirekha, joined AIADMK.

Defection of advocate Sasirekha who was defending the Dhinakaran’s party in the TV debates has raised several eyebrows in the ruling party. More surprising was the AIADMK leadership’s decision to appoint her as party spokesperson within 48 hours of her switching loyalties.

The decision was not taken lightly by AIADMK. Former AIADMK IT wing chief K Swaminathan took to social media to criticise the move.  “Hearty Congrats to sister Sasirekha on being appointed as the AIADMK news coordinator within 48 hours of joining the party from the TTV camp. It is indeed a great recognition to her damaging talks against the Chief Minister, his governance, the Deputy Chief Minister and the AIADMK in general. Before she made the switch, I used to watch her on TV and wonder just how much must she hate the CM and Deputy CM to make such nasty comments against them in public. I am glad that AIADMK leadership has overlooked all this and has recognised her great abilities,” he wrote.