I have expelled Sasikala, says Panneerselvam faction leader

CHENNAI: Hours after he was expelled from AIADMK, pro-Panneerselvam leader E Madusudanan today claimed he infact had sacked party interim general secretary V K Sasikala and continued to be the party's Presidium Chairman.

"Before that (his sacking), I expelled her (Sasikala) from the party," he told reporters tonight when asked about his removal from all party posts, including Presidium Chairman and primary membership, by Sasikala.

Flanked by a smiling Panneerselvam and other leaders, Madusudanan announced that an election will soon be held for the post of party general secretary, adding the chief will be elected by the party cadres.

"Very soon, election for the post of AIADMK general secretary will be held, the date will be announced soon," he said.

He said a "property protection committee" to protect the assets of former chief minister late J Jayalalithaa will be "announced soon at the general council."

In an indication that political situation was becoming more complicated, more AIADMK leaders from several regions, including former union minister E Ponnusamy, joined the ranks of Panneerselvam today.