Can’t accept Sasikala in Amma place: Niece

Chennai, January 17

Taking a political plunge and indicating that she may float a political party, Deepa Jayakumar, niece of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, today made it clear she could not accept AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala in Amma’s place.

On the birth centenary of AIADMK founder MG Ramchandran today, she received scores of AIADMK cadre at her residence and then paid floral tributes at the memorial of MGR.

Soon after she announced her entry into politics, her supporters who had gathered in large number at her residence burst crackers and distributed sweets. Her residence in the busy T Nagar area sported banners hailing her as Jayalalithaa’s heir and the entire neighbourhood was teeming with hundreds of her supporters hindering traffic.

Asked if she accepted Sasikala or opposed her, she said, “I cannot accept anyone apart from Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma...I don’t accept anyone in her (Jayalalithaa’s) place.”

On why she could not accept Sasikala when leaders had done so and if she had any personal issues with her, she said, “My views are based on only what people want. There is nothing personal.” — PTI