Patch up? Jayalalithaa cancels Sasikala's expulsion

Signalling a patch up with her estranged aide Sasikala who was expelled last year from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), party supremo Jayalalithaa on Saturday revoked the action, accepting an explanation issued by her.

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"VK Sasikala has sent a letter to me. She had also issued a statement with the same content. I accept the explanation," Jayalalithaa said in a statement in Chennai.

"The disciplinary action against Sasikala is cancelled," she said.

On March 28, Sasikala had issued a statement through AIADMK-promoted Jaya TV, stating she had snapped ties with all those who had "betrayed" Jayalalithaa.

"It is an unpardonable betrayal by those who claimed to be my relatives and friends to have indulged in activities against Jayalalithaa. Those who betrayed my sister are not needed by me," Sasikala had said.

Sasikala had also claimed innocence, saying she came to know about the happenings which were against AIADMK's interest and conspiracy against Jayalalithaa only after she came out of Poes Garden (Jayalalithaa's residence) where she had stayed for 24 years.

"This has pained and shocked me," Sasikala said, adding, all those things happened without her knowledge and this was the "truth."

Jayalalithaa, whose move expelling her long-time confidante sent ripples in state political circles, however, said the action against Sasikala's relatives, including her husband M Natarajan, stands.

"Party workers should not have any contact with them," she said.