VK Sasikala, late J Jayalalithaa’s close friend and aide, has been elected the AIADMK Legislature Party Leader. This could pave the way for Sasikala to become Chief Minister of the State, replacing O Paneeraelvam. Sasikala's election was decided at a meeting of party MLAs at the AIADMK headquarters.
Party Treasurer O Paneerselvam proposed Sasikala’s name, the party said in a Tweet. According to AIADMK sources, other MLAs unanimously seconded incumbent chief minister’s proposal.
Sasikala’s election puts an end to the speculation about her elevation to the top post in the government, since she was elected the AIADMK General Secretary following Jayalalithaa’s death. Earlier, Panneerselvam and other ministers met Sasikala at the Poes Garden, the late chief minister’s residence where Sasikala continues to live.
The meeting of the legislators was called at short notice a day after Sasikala appointed some former ministers who had earlier been shunted out by Jayalalithaa.
(With inputs from IANS)