Expelled from the AIADMK, VK Sasikala returned to Tamil Nadu on Monday, a few days after serving a four-year prison sentence in a disproportionate assets case.
Along with this, there were indications that Sasikala, who was once in control of the ruling party, may have to face her face to face with him. However, AIADMK was seen to be avoiding Sasikala. The AIADMK said that Sasikala has nothing to do with the party.
At the same time, Sasikala, a close aide of the late Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, reached Athapalli in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, adjoining Karnataka at around 10 am. He then offered obeisance at the Devi Mariamman Temple at Hosur in the district, about 40 km from Bangalore.
Her nephew TTV Dinakaran, who was present with Sasikala, said that she would later visit the residence of MG Ramachandran, the late Chief Minister of Chennai and founder of AIADMK. He claimed that many AIADMK officials came to welcome Sasikala. He also claimed that the vehicle in which Sasikala was riding is also that of an official of the ruling party.
Sasikala's return to Tamil Nadu is important in the sense that elections are to be held here in the next few months and her political influence is on the cards.
AIADMK said the use of the vehicle flagged by the party was wrong
The AIADMK reiterated that the party has nothing to do with Sasikala and those who are with her. The AIADMK also said that it is illegal to roam in a party flagged vehicle and that it has been seen doing so for the second time in the last two weeks.
The political impact of Sasikala's return to Tamil Nadu is being keenly watched as it comes at a time when assembly elections are due in the state in the next few months.
Sasikala served her sentence in Parapana Agrahara Central Jail, Bangalore in February 2017 in a disproportionate assets case of Rs 66.65 crore and was released on 27 January.
However, she then remained at the Government Victoria Hospital, where she was admitted after being found infected with corona. Sasikala was discharged from the hospital on 31 January after which she stayed at a resort about 35 km from Bengaluru.
Will come to active politics: Sasikala
Expelled from the AIADMK, VK Sasikala said on Monday that she will involve herself in active politics after returning to Tamil Nadu. Sasikala has returned to Tamil Nadu a few days after serving a four-year jail term in a disproportionate assets case. Sasikala, in her first comment after being discharged from a hospital in the capital of Karnataka, said that she is indebted to the people of Tamil Nadu. She, however, also said that she would not bow down to 'Daman'.
It is noteworthy that Sasikala was undergoing treatment at the said hospital after being found infected with Kovid-19. Asked if she would go to the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai, she said, please wait and see. When reporters asked if she would be involved in active politics before the state assembly elections, she said that of course, to party workers.
... will talk in detail soon
She was going to Chennai from Bangalore and shortly thereafter addressed supporters here. She said that I love the Tamil ethos and the principles that I believe in. But I will never succumb to harassment. Earlier, she was given a grand welcome when she returned to Tamil Nadu a few days after serving a jail sentence in Bangalore in a disproportionate assets case of Rs 66.6 crore.
Asked by reporters about the complaint filed by the ministers of the ruling party in Tamil Nadu over the use of the AIADMK flag on their car, he said, "I think it reflects their apprehension."
On the closure of the memorial of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in Chennai for maintenance, he said the people of Tamil Nadu are well aware of what it means. Asked about the supporters' demand to gain control of the AIADMK, he said that I will meet all of you soon. We will talk in detail after that.