Chennai: Deepa Jayakumar, J
Jayalalithaa's niece who has become a rallying point for dissenters in the
AIADMK unhappy with
V K Sasikala becoming party general secretary, on Tuesday said she has decided to enter politics. "I have decided to enter politics as a large section of AIADMK cadres has been requesting me to do so after the untimely death of Jayalalithaa," she said.
Though she didn't name Sasikala, she said: "I cannot accept anyone apart from
Puratchi Thalaivar MGR
and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma...I don't see anyone (else) in her (Jayalalithaa's) place." Deepa denied she had any personal issues with Sasikala. "My views are based on only what people want," she said.
Explaining her next move, Deepa said: "There are two options - one to join the AIADMK and the other, to launch a new party. I will decide on it after speaking to my supporters." She said would announce her decision on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary, which falls on February 24.
How does she rate the current chief minister of Tamil Nadu? "O Panneerselvam is doing a good job," was Deepa's answer.
Asked about her lack of experience in politics, Deepa said taking care of the welfare of people is important, not experience. Deepa paid homage to AIADMK founder MGR on his 100th birth anniversary at his memorial at Marina beach in the morning. Before announcing her plan to enter politics, she paid floral tribute to the portraits of both MGR and Jayalalithaa at her home. Deepa's house in T Nagar witnessed a crowd of party workers who were shouting slogans supporting the young leader. Cutouts and banners of Deepa with her aunt were seen in the locality.
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