Sasikala camps with MLAs on verdict eve

“I have always been a shadow and assisting Amma with her day to day activities including her work. Even during elections, I was the one who decided on the alliances and seat sharing arrangements,” Sasikala said while interacting with the media at the resort in Koovathur. Earlier, she told cadre outside Poes Garden, “As long as you (cadre) are with me, no one can split the AIADMK. From the day of MGR’s death, I have remained her (Jayalalithaa) shadow and participated in all her struggles.”

“We have demonstrated that AIADMK means Jayalalithaa,” the CM designate said, uttering the former CM’s name for perhaps the first time in the recent past. “I have faced many such troubles along with Amma during the last 33 years. We have faced many problems from people who have enjoyed power. I will form AIADMK govt with the blessings of Amma till your support is with me,” she added. 

In her address to the legislators at Koovathur, Sasikala recalled at length the victory AIADMK had secured when MGR was hospitalised in Brooklyn and said that she would do the same. A belligerent Sasikala, for the first time, also accused the BJP (and DMK) of delaying the formation of AIADMK government. 

Sasikala also announced that a memorial would be constructed for Jayalalithaa. She also announced a memorial arch at Ramapuram for MGR on his centenary year.