Jayalalithaa's niece launches political forum, fights for legacy on her 69th birth anniversary

CHENNAI: The low-key 69th birth anniversary of late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa concluded on Friday amidst various claimants to the original legacy of her party. While former chief minister O Panneerselvam declined AIADMK deputy general secretary T T V Dinakaran’s invitation to rejoin the party, Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar went ahead and launched her own splinter outfit.

On Friday morning, CM Edappadi K Palaniswamy along with ministers and top officials here launched a scheme to plant 69 lakh saplings across the state in commemoration of Jayalalithaa’s birthday. However, leader of the opposition M K Stalin in a statement rebuked the state government for honouring a convict.

“It sets a bad precedent to the entire state, for the government to launch a scheme to mark the birth anniversary of someone who has been convicted for amassing wealth illegally,” Stalin said. Ignoring the opposition’s criticisms, Chief Minister, ministers and T T V Dinakaran, paid floral tributes to the late leader on Friday morning. Party leaders at the venue reiterated Dinakaran’s stand that the AIADMK will embrace those who return to their ‘Mother’ party.

Panneerselvam however, was “surprised” by the invitation from someone who is not even a member of the party. “Every real party worker who has unconditional love and respect for Amma’s AIADMK knows that we are the real members of the party,” Panneerselvam told reporters at a press conference.

He pointed out that Dinakaran had been dismissed from primary membership of the party when Jayalalithaa was alive and that Dinakaran was never forgiven by Jaya until she had breathed her last. An unexpected voice of support for Panneerselvam’s stand came on Thursday when Jayalalithaa’s nephew Deepak had said he did not accept Dinakaran as the deputy general secretary of the party. “We should all work together. I wish Panneerselvam Anna (brother) will return to the party and take over,” Deepak said.

Even as Panneerselvam continued his attack on the “family rule” taking place in AIADMK, Deepa announced the name of a new outfit : “MGR Amma Deepa Peravai” and said the ‘federation will win the support of the AIADMK cadre and grow into a party and rightfully claim the ‘Two leaves’ (AIADMK party symbol).”