Chennai: In a major turn of events, the sacked AIADMK chief VK Sasikala on Wednesday announced to quit politics and public life ahead of the much-crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections scheduled to be held on April 6.
Sasikala's decision to quit politics comes as a shocker for many as it was widely expected that former CM J Jayalalithaa's aide was planning to reclaim her position as AIADMK General Secretary.
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While announcing the decision, Sasikala urged AIADMK leaders to stay united and work together to defeat MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) which is touted to be the main Opposition in Tamil Nadu.
In a letter dated March 3, Sasikala said that she has never been after power or position even when Jayalalithaa was alive. "Would not do it even after her death. I am quitting public life and politics. However, I pray that Amma's party (AIADMK) wins Tamil Nadu Assembly polls and her legacy goes on," she wrote.
"All supporters should fight against DMK, the common enemy as pointed out by our Puratchi Thalaivi and we should establish Amma government. My heartfelt thanks to all supporters who showed so much affection to me and Akka," she wrote in the letter.
The major announcement comes days after Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran claimed that she would certainly contest the upcoming Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.
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Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami said that he has communicated to the BJP national leadership that his party will not have any tie ups with the "Mannargudi Family" led by VK Sasikala and her nephew.
Meanwhile, AIADMK leadership also denied the rumours that the Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and party strong man Panneerselvam extend support to the Mannargudi Family if in case Tamil Nadu poll results in head for a hung assembly.
Sasikala's Move is for Jayalalitha
While quitting politics, Sasikala said that she will "stay away from politics" but also "praying" for the AIADMK to retain power in the April 6 election. Though it stunned everybody that Sasikala who has always been known as a leader who who wanted to rule had quit politics ahead of elections, but she clearly stated that she wants to prioritise Amma's dream. Even on the day when she came out of the Bengaluru jail after a four-year sentence in a corruption case, Sasikala said - -. "All true followers of Jayalalithaa need to act with wisdom to ensure the DMK, that 'amma' identified as our common enemy, is kept out of power."
"I have never hankered after title, posts or power. I will stay away from politics and pray to 'akka' (sister) and to God, for AIADMK rule to continue," she added.