Sasikala to hold 'key discussions' with party MLAs

For the third day in a row, AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala will hold 'key discussions' with party MLAs put up at a resort near here amid intense battle for power.
Sasikala left from Poes Garden and headed for the resort located at Koovathur, about 80 km from here, and will hold "key discussions" with the MLAs, party-backed Jaya TV said.
She had held discussions with her MLAs at the resort on Saturday and Sunday and stressed the need to stay united to form the government.
On February 5, Sasikala was elected as the party's Legislature Leader, a step towards her elevation as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

However, two days later, Panneerselvam had revolted against her, alleging that he was forced to step down for her.
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Later, addressing the AIADMK MLAs, Sasikala indicated that she could stay back for the night at the resort when she said she had brought a set of dresses and that "we could return together tomorrow".
Repeatedly invoking the legacy of party veterans, late MG Ramachandran and late J Jayalalithaa, she said AIADMK workers would work by their ideals of public service.
Sasikala said a grand memorial will be built at the burial site of Jayalalithaa, which will "put everybody in awe".

She hit back at Panneerselvam for claiming that the AIADMK MLAs were being held hostage, asking whether they were "animals" to be herded like he was claiming and asserted that they were "free".
Sasikala charged those in the Panneerselvam camp with intimidating her party MLAs, especially the women, and asked if this was right on the part of the chief minister as he also held the police portfolio and was entrusted with upholding law-and-order in the state.
"But, we should be calm. This is our rule and we will rule for the rest of the term," she said, adding that the party workers will do every bit to uphold the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa.

Sasikala claimed that her party enjoyed widespread public support and that Jayalalithaa "is living in the hearts of every person" in Tamil Nadu.
She recalled Jayalalithaa uniting the AIADMK after MGR's demise and steering it through difficult times.
Earlier, Sasikala visited the houses of local villagers and interacted with them. She also named a girl child after Jayalalithaa.