Did DMK appoint interim CM when Karunanidhi was ill, asks AIADMK

AIADMK on Wednesday hit out at DMK treasurer MK Stalin for demanding an interim Chief Minister in view of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation and asked if such an arrangement was made when Karunanidhi was in hospital in 2009 for a spine surgery.

Referring to leaders including MDMK chief Vaiko, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su Thirunavukkarasar, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, and CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan not favouring an idea of an interim Chief Minister, the AIADMK said only Stalin had sought such an arrangement.

AIADMK mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR on Wednesday asked if the DMK-led government had "appointed an interim Chief Minister when Karunanidhi was hospitalised for a spine surgery in 2009."

Expressing confidence that 'Amma' would soon resume her official duties, the AIADMK said under such circumstances the demand for an interim Chief Minister was only a "sadist noise". 

On October 9, Stalin had demanded either a "Chief Minister incharge or a new Chief Minister" to streamline governance. After Jayalalithaa's portfolios were allotted to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday, he had welcomed it.

Meanwhile, prayers continued to be offered at places of worship across Tamil Nadu, including 'milk pot processions' for the speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa.