Vijayashanti criticises OPS, asks Venkaiah to ensure Sasikala is CM

Chennai: Expressing concern over reported attempts of O Panneerselvam to continue in power with the help of some opposition parties, former MP Vijayashanti has urged the Union government – especially M Venkaiah Naidu ,Minister for Urban Development,, to ensure that majority view of the AIADMK MLAs prevail and smooth transition of power.

The actress turned politician said, “The developments in Tamil Nadu remind me of the ‘political coup’ by a section of TDP MLAs led by Mr Nadendla Bhaskar Rao to topple the democratically-elected government led by Mr N T Rama Rao with the help of the then State GovernorMr Ram Lal in 1984. Mr NTR had to hit the streets in Delhi to prove his majority before the President and it was the same Venkaiah Naidu who supported the TDP regain power and fought for the Constitutional norms. Mr Naidu is now a key minister at the Centre and he has been actively pursuing politics of Tamil Nadu ever since former Chief Minister was hospitalized. He should use his good offices and ensure no subversion of the Constitution takes place and allow Sasikala, who had the majority support of AIADMK MLAs to becomes new Chief Minister:.

She asked Naidu “not to give room for any horse-trading or poaching of MLAs to or constitutional impropriety to destabilize a democratically elected government and lead to political uncertainty:.
 
Lambasting OPS for his U-turn, Vijayashanti said, “Mr Panneerselvam appears opportunistic. Following the election of Ms Saskala as the Leader of the legislative wing of the AIADMK, he tendered his resignation and was asked by the governor to continue as caretaker CM till alternate arrangements are made  But he still thinks that he is a full-time CM,  He is anticipating that  he should be nominated to the post which is impossible. He was silent when Sasikala was elected General Secretary of the party. He kept mum when she was elected unopposed and even proposed her name in the legislative wing meeting.   He offered full support publicly to Ms Sasikala. Now, he claims that he was forced to resign and tries to garner sympathy that he is the “constitutionally-elected leader” which is absolutely ridiculous”.

Vijayashanti has also castigated OPS for “creating confusion by stating that a probe will be initiated on the death of Jayalalithaa”. “Mr OPS said that he has some doubts on the death of Puratchi Thalaivi . He claimed that he was not even allowed to see Jaya in Apollo Hospital. This is contradictory to his earlier claims. He wants CM post at any cost  and hence trying to alter his statements”, Vijayashanti said.

Vijayashanti strongly criticized OPS for hobnobbing with the opposition DMK with which Jayalalithaa has fought all through her life. OPS stands for Other Party Support or Opposition Party-led Sabotage “. Mr Panneerselvam said he was guided by the spirit (atma) of mother (Jaya). Can he say that he should go for a clandestine support of DMK on the advice of Mother?” Vijayashanti asked.