EK Palaniswami denies VK Sasikala's comeback to AIADMK

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Tuesday discarded speculations of VK Sasikala's political re-entry to AIADMK ahead of the upcoming legislative elections. The comment from Palaniswami came days before the expected release of VK Sasikala, a close aide of former Chief Minister Jayalalitha, from jail. Addressing a press meet, he said, "100% she will not be admitted. She is not in the party. AIADMK is functioning after clearly deciding on this." Sasikala, who was also the former interim general secretary of AIADMK, was jailed four years ago in a disproportionate assets case. As per Sasikala's lawyer, she is expected to be released on 27th of this month after paying a fine of Rs 10 crores.

Palaniswami also informed that he will inaugurate a memorial for late CM Jayalalitha on 27th, the day of Sasikala's release. His response came after rumours spread that BJP wants AIADMK to join hands with VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran from Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) party fearing for a split of votes. However, Palaniswami's decision on VK Sasikala may be an added benefit for opposition DMK. The Tamil Nadu CM had visited Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Palaniswami vehemently denied discussions on Sasikala's political come back with BJP leaders. He said they discussed only the upcoming developmental projects in the state.

AIADMK sources revealed that it is contesting in 164 seats in the coming legislative elections and are not concerned about the distribution of the remaining 70. Speculations remain whether the BJP will give the remaining seats to close allies or not. Chief Minister also added that "alliance did not mean compromising ideologies".

The recent IANS C-Voter survey predicts a win for DMK's MK Stalin and four seats for Sasikala's AMMK in the upcoming legislative polls. Despite the winning expectations, vote split concerns run high in Tamil Nadu.