Tamil Nadu crisis | Chinnamma stakes claims to form government, says AIADMK

Tamil Nadu Political crisis: #Pannerselvam met Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today pic.twitter.com/FDc0w5b1TF

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Chennai: #VKSasikala met Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today, staked claim to form Government. pic.twitter.com/d5YB6uRTdQ

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Chennai: #OPanneerselvam meets supporters at his residence. pic.twitter.com/f1fuih6bvM

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Chennai: #VKSasikala leaves Raj Bhavan after meeting TN Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/QqKGn9K0J8

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Will head to Delhi if governor delays: Sasikala

Sasikala places a list of 130 MLAs at Jayalalithaa's memorial.

Panneerselvam speaks to media while Sasikala is in a meeting with Governor.

Meeting underway between Sasikala and Governor at Raj Bhavan.

Chinnamma stakes claim to form Government.

— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) February 9, 2017

Chennai: 5 Senior AIADMK leaders accompany #SasikalaNatarajan to Raj Bhavan to meet TN Governor C Vidyasagar Rao.

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Chennai: Outside visuals of Raj Bhavan, where meeting between #SasikalaNatarajan and Governor Vidyasagar Rao is underway. pic.twitter.com/g5dGaX2T9T

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

According to a news channel, this is on Sasikala's agenda for the meeting:

1. Provide letter of support
2. Claim support of 129 MLAs
3. Demand to be sworn in immediately
4. Cite constitutional backing

​

Chennai: #VKSasikala reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/RdNkAIsmWI

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Watch Sasikala offer prayers at Jayalalithaa's memorial:

#WATCH: #Sasikala pays tribute at Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina Beach, brings with her letter of support claiming majority pic.twitter.com/Lndz82OJCN

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Sasikala on the way to meet Governor.

Sasikala visited Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina Beach, got with her letter of support claiming majority, to be submitted to Guv

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

#VKSasikala pays tributes at Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/ePgojZUmXy

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

#VKSasikala visits Jayalalithaa's memorial at Chennai's Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/vThRnJ621D

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Sasikala visits Jaya memorial, to meet Governor at 7.30 PM.

Chennai: #SasikalaNatarajan leaves Poes Garden residence pic.twitter.com/8JD3KlPGbS

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Sasikala is set to meet with the Governor soon. 

Sasikala loyalist Thambidurai meets Arun Jaitley and PM Modi, claims support of 130 MLAs. 

Sasikala sacks AIADMK Puducherry leader

AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala expelled party's Puducherry leader Om Sakthi Segar from the primary membership for alleged anti-party activities after he reportedly extended support to Chief Minister O Panneerselvam who has launched a rebellion against her.

Segar, who had unsuccessfully contested against Congress veteran and Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy in the recent Nellithope bypoll, has gone against party principles and brought disrepute to it, Sasikala said in a statement.

He is being stripped of all party posts including the primary membership, Sasikala said, without elaborating.

Segar had reportedly extended support to Panneerselvam, who has raised a banner of revolt against Sasikala.

Sasikala subsequently sacked Panneerselvam from the top party post of Treasurer. 

- PTI

 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, amidst a political turmoil in the state following his revolt against AIADMK chief VK Sasikala.

Panneerselvam called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan here and held discussions with him for about 15 minutes, sources close to the chief minister said, adding that they were not aware of what transpired between the two.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of Panneerselvam saying he would withdraw his resignation from the post of chief minister, which he had tendered last Sunday, if required.

He had offered to quit as chief minister citing "personal reasons", following the election of Sasikala as AIADMK Legislature Party leader, paving her way towards the top post in the state.

Raising a banner of revolt on February 7, Panneerselvam had alleged that he was forced to step down for Sasikala to become the chief minister. 

- PTI

Sasikala to visit Jaya memorial before meeting Governor.

According to a news channel, O Pannerselvam discussed following things with Governor:

1. Panneerselvam said he was forced to resign.
2. Sasikala's elevation was done by fraudulent means.
3. Defections prove illegality.
4. Sasikala's majority manufactured.

Petition handed to governor, meeting lasted 5-7 minutes​

Governor said dharma will win: O Panneerselvam

I briefed Guv about the political developments in the state, want to stress that dharma will win:#OPannerselvam pic.twitter.com/iv10U0ooqY

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Panneerselvam says "there will be good news soon".

Governor told me justice will be done: O Panneerselvam

Thank all my MLAs for suppoting me: O Panneerselvam

Truth will prevail, justice will be done: Panneerselvam

Chennai: #OPannerselvam reaches his residence after meeting Governor; to address media shortly pic.twitter.com/F2NScSpabo

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Panneerselvam hands over the petition to Governor, meeting ended in 5 minutes.

Chennai: #OPannerselvam leaves Raj Bhavan after meeting Governor Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/4y4aEFAkCj

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Panneerselvam leaves from Raj Bhavan.

Panneerselvam meets Governor Vidyasagar Rao with 10 AIADMK leaders.

Panneerselvam reaches Raj Bhavan, meeting to commence shortly.

Chennai: #OPannerselvam reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao. pic.twitter.com/LJd6jHTslB

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Panneerselvam leaves to meet Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan.

Chennai: #OPannerselvam leaves his residence for Raj Bhavan; to meet Governor Vidyasagar Rao shortly. pic.twitter.com/aGAWSLPcC1

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

AIADMK MLA Vaigai Selvan: "It was Madhusudanan's proposal, he supported Sasikala as CM. Sad development that he has now turned to Panneerselvam."

#TamilNadu Political crisis: Governor Vidyasagar Rao has reached Raj Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/1i3KuJnr2O

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

#TamilNadu Political crisis: Governor Vidyasagar Rao refuses to comment on ongoing political turmoil in Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/DxBMlcxE2A

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

TN Education Minister Pandiarajan: " VK Sasikala will meet Governor at Raj Bhavan at 7:30 pm today and will stake claim to form Government in Tamil Nadu. We have letter of support for VK Sasikala from 135 MLAs including Paneerselvam, we still have that letter."

On reports of MLAs being forced to stay at hotels to keep from defecting to OPS's camp, the minister said, "MLAs have been staying at their convenience at hotels etc. They have not been forced or compelled to do anything."

On OPS' turnaround, he said, "We have not overruled any of his suggestions, whatever has been done was after his consent, no pressure tactics," adding, "All AIADMK MLAs are willing to meet the Governor if he wishes to meet as well."

Rajnath Singh on the political struggle in the state: "Current political scenario in Tamil Nadu is AIADMK's internal matter. Govt has nothing to do with it."

Panneerselvam will reportedly meet the governor with a  team of 10 other leaders. Sasikala will meet him alone.

Panneerselvam has left for the airport to receive Governor Vidyasagar Rao. He will meet with Rao at 5 pm at the Raj Bhavan. Sasikala will meet the governor at 7 pm.

Meanwhile, a meeting is underway between Sasikala and senior AIADMK leaders at Poes Garden to decide the next course of action.

According to media reports, Panneerselvam will meet the Governor first at 5 pm. Sasikala's meeting with Vidyasagar Rao will take take place at 7:30 pm.

"When Amma was in hospital, after 24 days Sasikala told me she is fine. That was the first time she spoke to me," ANI quotes Panneerselvam as saying.

He also added that he was prepared to respond to any allegations levelled by Sasikala camp.

According to Times Now, Sasikala has called for an emergency meeting of AIADMK leaders at Poes Garden.

Addressing the media outside his residence Panneerselvam asserted that he had the support of AIADMK MLAs and said, "Our senior leader Madhusudan was threatened and pressurised, even after that he stood alone to safeguard party. We welcome him."

"It is Sasikala who is doing dirty tricks to acquire the CM chair. If she succeeds it will be a big blot on democracy," the caretaker CM said. 

He also added, "One family trying to control AIADMK. The party is priority and must be protected. We will do everything to protect the party. We must protect MGR's party. I welcome those who join me."

Referring to a letter allegedly written in 2012, Panneerselvam said that Sasikala had admitted to betraying Jayalalithaa. "Sasikala is lying when she says she never betrayed Amma," he said.

In a show of support, MLAs in favour of Panneerselvam arrived at this residence led by Madhusudan and Maitreyan. "Pannerselvam is the real heir of Amma," said V Maitreyan.

Madhusudan said, "I have come to offer my support to O Panneerselvam."

Top  AIADMK leader and MLA Madhusudan has arrived at Panneerselvam's residence.

Meanwhile, News18 reports that OPS might take advantage of protocol and meet the Governor before Sasikala by receiving him at the airport.

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao leaves from Governor's House pic.twitter.com/oyKtAzoiSy

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Chennai: VK Sasikala's supporters raise slogans in her support outside her Poes Garden residence pic.twitter.com/JPcEB8uuZd

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

Tamil Nadu: AIADMK's MLAs (VK Sasikala supporters) lodged in a resort in Kalpakkam pic.twitter.com/fheSpvOh2M

— ANI (@ANI_news) February 9, 2017

According to ANI's sources, Sasikala and AIADMK MLAs will meet the governor at 5 pm.

Governor Vidyasagar Rao will leave for Chennai this afternoon. "The Governor will be taking the 1.25 PM Jet Airways flight to Chennai from Mumbai," a Raj Bhavan official told PTI.

The official, however, declined to comments on reports that Rao will meet legislators after landing in Chennai.

Asked if Rao has consulted legal and constitutional experts on political situation in Tamil Nadu, the official said, "the Governor did not call anyone specific for talks." PTI's Raj Bhavan sources said Rao may have discussed the legal and constitutional ramifications of the TN tangle, while he was in Delhi on Monday. "The Governor has also been in touch with a senior official at Chennai Raj Bhavan, via phone," the sources said.

While OPS has called for Jayalalithaa's home to be turned into a memorial, hinting at removing Sasikala from the residence, protests against him are being held outside the house at Poes Garden.

The Supreme Court has decided to hear a plea filed by Satta Panchayat Iyakkam against the appointment of Sasikala as Tamil Nadu CM on Friday.

OPS has also met Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan.

Tamil Nadu DGP TK Rajendran has met Panneerselvam at his residence.

Sasikala sacks former ​Puducherry MLA Om Sakthi Sekar from AIADMK.

Clarifying their position in the political upheaval in the state, the DMK said Panneerselvam and Stalin share a very political relationship. "Panneerselvam and Stalin sit on the opposite sides. They share a very political relationship. If the government does good, we appreciate it. If it does something bad, we criticise it. It's a normal thing," DMK leader TKS Elangovan told ANI.

Kanomozhi said, "DMK is not getting involved in these issues, all these are their (AIADMK) internal problems. It's ugly and sad."

BJP's Subramanian Swamy: "He (Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao) ran away to Delhi, then went to Mumbai. Yes, he is also Governor of Maharashtra but crisis was in TN. The Governor's behaviour is deplorable. Congress is not attacking him, maybe he is influenced by them."

The BJP on Thursday dismissed the charges put forth by Sasikala that Panneerselvam was a traitor. "As she is claiming that O Panneerselvam is a traitor and I must remind her that it is the same Panneerselvam who stood with Jayalalithaa twice in her place and when she came back then he stepped down. Such a loyal person cannot be termed as a traitor. She might have difference of opinion with him," BJP leader S. Prakash told ANI.

Terming the present situation in Tamil Nadu as unfortunate, he said, "The weakening of AIADMK fissures are coming out in open. OPS was considered as very loyal and domicile leader and his move is a rude shock to Sasikala." The BJP leader added that Sasikala who is a novice to politics, should be very careful while speaking to the media.

Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, who has joint charge of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, will arrive in the southern state on Thursday afternoon. He is expected to arrive at the Raj Bhavan at 3:30 pm and immediately with Sasikala and AIADMK MLAs.

Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee has said that the Governor would do be well within his powers not to swear in Sasikala immediately because it would complicate matters if the Supreme Court is to uphold the lower court order convicting her in the case. He however, said it was not open to caretaker chief minister O Pannerselvam to withdraw his resignation which has already been accepted by the Governor. 

On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government revoked the suspension of former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Ganadesikan and Adul Anand IAS.

On Wednesday, Sasikala bused all 131 MLAs supporting her to an unknown location, fearing horse-trading. As per reports, all the MLAs were taken to an unknown hotel, where they would be kept till the time came to prove majority in the support of Sasikala with a possible floor test to determine the majority in the House,

Meanwhile, AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who has been in the forefront of the pro-Sasikala chorus, along with nine party MPs left for Delhi on Wednesday night.

Thambidurai had dismissed Panneerselvam's claim that he was forced to resign from the post and had insisted that AIADMK general secretary Sasikala would succeed him as all legislators were behind 'Chinnamma'. He had said whether it was the coming civic poll or Parliamentary elections, they would win them under her leadership.

AIADMK members will meet President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday and ask for his intervention in bringing political stability in Tamil Nadu.

Sasikala said that the party will remove Pannerselvam from all positions in the party, but the OPS hit back and said nobody can take the post of treasurer from him as he was appointed by late Jayalalithaa 10 years ago.

On Wednesday, Panneerselvam insisted that he continued to be AIADMK treasurer and wrote to two banks not to allow anyone else to operate the party's accounts. In separate letters to the two banks, located at Mylapore area, he said that under the relevant party laws, he continued to be the AIADMK treasurer. The letters were addressed to the Chief Managers of Karur Vysya bank and Bank of India.

A recap of OPS' revolt:

O Panneerselvam on Tuesday night dropped a bombshell, saying that he was forced to resign as Chief Minister to make way for AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala, who waits to be sworn in for the top job. The Man Friday of late J Jayalalithaa chose to break his silence on the happenings in the party ever since the death of his mentor on December 5, saying he was being "insulted" by senior ministers and leaders who sought to "undermine" him after electing him the Chief Minister.

Following his revolt against AIADMK Sasikala, Panneerselvam was sacked as treasurer by his party leader, but the caretaker Chief Minister insisted that he continued to remain in the post. He had even said that Sasikala was elected General Secretary under extraordinary circumstances and that elections to appoint a permanent General Secretary would be held soon.

As the midnight drama in the AIADMK unfolded, Sasikala waved and flashed victory sign to her supporters at her Poes Garden residence and said she had not forced Pannerselvam for anything. (PTI)