AIADMK will follow Chinamma's path: Party mouthpiece

Though the ruling AIADMK ministers have announced ouster of both its general secretary Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran from the party, the O Panneerselvam camp has sought their formal expulsion, besides a CBI probe into late Chief Minister jayalalithaa's death.

Notwithstanding pulling down of the banners featuring AIADMK (Amma) general secretary V K Sasikala at the party headquarters, Tamil daily 'Dr Namadhu MGR' quoted Dhinakaran to say that the party will continue to march on the path of "Chinnamma" (as party cadres refer to her).

"The party, which was run by MGR (M G Ramachandran) and Amma (Jayalalithaa) will continue to march ahead on the path of Chinnamma (Sasikala) without any obstruction," it said.

Dhinakaran's message featured prominently on the front page of the daily.

The article is being perceived as a sign of support for Dhinakaran and Sasikala by many of those bringing out the party mouthpiece.

Asked about the message, a senior leader of the Amma camp told PTI that "it will be looked into," indicating that it was not to the liking of many party cadres.

It may be recalled that Dhinakaran was arrested last night by Delhi Police after four days of questioning over his alleged role in a bid to bribe an Election Commission official for securing the party's 'two leaves' symbol.

The daily said though AIADMK had faced many 'betrayals' during the eras of both MGR and Amma, the party emerged victorious.

Without naming any rebel leaders, it said "there will be some parasites. This party is, however, a fort which will not be affected in any manner. No one, however big, will be able to do anything to this party."

Stating that AIADMK (Amma) is the "parent party," Dhinakaran's message said some may have gone "adrift," but they would come back.

Terming DMK as its arch rival, the message said the people are on the side of AIADMK, which would score big wins in both the 2019 parliamentary and 2021 assembly elections.

"The party will work for the people, in particular for the poor."

Sources in the Panneerselvam camp said 'Dr Namadhu MGR' singing peans to Sasikala and Dhinakaran has already been highlighted by former Minister K P Munusamy.