Deepa’s ‘meditation’ at memorial upsets loyalists

Speaking to DTNext on Monday, Deepa said “I planned to visit the memorial during the day as I wanted my aunt’s blessings for my new political endeavour. But due to certain circumstances, I could visit her memorial only late in the evening. I receive nearly 50 anonymous calls daily demanding that I quit politics. Some callers have openly threatened me against entering RK Nagar. But I entered politics not because I wanted to but because people wanted me to do so. I will contest and prove everybody wrong.”

Elaborating, she added that some of her interviews had been misinterpreted leading to more harassment. Asked if she had sought police protection, she replied in the negative. However, even her Peravai functionaries are not wholly convinced with her visit to Jayalalithaa’s memorial. 

According to K Palani of Vellore, “Deepa’s meditation at Jayalalithaa’s memorial has created a bad feeling among her supporters as many are unhappy with ousted driver and former Peravai secretary AV Raja sitting behind her. She should understand that cadre cannot be taken for a ride and neither will they forgive her for this act.” 

Meanwhile, AIADMK spokesman Vaigai Selvan said, “Even Jayalalithaa will not forgive her for her recent statement on TV that the policies of Anna, MGR, Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi should be followed. When MGR and Jayalalithaa consistently branded DMK their enemy how can she equate AIADMK and DMK leaders? She also constantly talks of being threatened by others. Instead of making such general statements, she should reveal with evidence who threatened her and why.”

Political observer A Marx says, “What is the need for her to follow former chief minister O Paneerselvam’s style of drama at the memorial when she has no issues to fight for? When the state faces many major issues like drought, fishermen killings, she has made a mockery of herself by enacting such a drama,” he added.