‘Government will usher in a new era under Sasikala’s guidance’

“We (the AIADMK government) are going to implement the programmes initiated by Amma (Jayalalithaa) in our remaining term of four-and-a-half-years,” the Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker said. “Now a stable government is in place in the state. You will see a new era of development to realise the dreams of Amma under the guidance of Chinnamma (Sasikala),” he added. 

Thambidurai is in Indore to attend the South Asian Speakers’ Summit on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Replying to a question on the division in the party after the death of Jayalalithaa, he said that the party was united whereas former chief minister O Panneerselvam, who rebelled against the party chief Sasikala, has only about 10 MLAs with him.

Asked whether Panneerselvam would be taken back in the party, he said, “As far as Panneerselvam is concerned, he has already been suspended from the party. Only Chinnamma can take a decision (on that). Whatever decision she takes, we will abide by it.” 

He also attacked the opposition DMK for creating ruckus in the Assembly during the trust vote, which Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy won by a 122-11 margin. 

“It was pre-planned by DMK to create ruckus in the House so that the proceedings could not be conducted. Panneerselvam also cooperated with them. They all wanted President’s Rule in the state,” he added. 

Attacking Leader of the Opposition M K Stalin, he said the DMK leader showed himself in poor light by tearing off his shirt.