Divide surfaces in AIADMK over Sasikala becoming Tamil Nadu CM

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Feb. 8 (ANI): Differences of opining have started surfacing in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) over party general secretary V.K. Sassikala Natarajan's elevation to the post of chief minister of Tamil Nadu. "My conscience as an Amma (J.Jayalalithaa) loyalist made me join O. Panneerselvam. Numbers 154 or 132 will not be decided on roads but on the floor of the assembly," V Maitreyan, AIADMK MP told ANI. AIADMK MP Navaneethakrishnan, however, extended his support to Sasikala. "Chinamma will be Tamil Nadu Chief Minister undoubtedly, all AIADMK MLAs are with her," said Navaneethakrishnan. Earlier, Panneerselvam said there is a force behind everything that is happening in the state. Issuing fresh allegations, Panneerselvam claimed he was never allowed to meet late Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa even once when she was hospitalised. Panneerselvam yesterday staged a revolt against Sasikala. He said he was forced to resign from the chief minister's post by the Sasikala camp which the AIADMK general secretary denied. After consulting some of her party colleagues and ministers at the Poes Garden residence, Sasikala announced the sacking of Panneerselvam as AIADMK treasurer. Governor of state Ch. Vidyasagar Rao has asked Panneerselvam and his Cabinet to continue to discharge their duties till alternate arrangements are made.(ANI)