BackJaya’s niece Deepa dives into politics, says will not accept Sasikala in Amma’s place
Deepa Jayakumar says the decision of naming Sasikala as AIADMK general secretary was 'very quick,' and 'views of many have been ignored'
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Chennai: Taking a political plunge and indicating that she may float a political party, Deepa Jayakumar, niece of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa, Tuesday made it clear that she will not accept AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) general secretary Sasikala.
On the birth centenary of AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran, she received scores of party workers at her residence and paid floral tributes at the memorial of MGR.
Soon after she announced her entry into politics, her supporters who had gathered outside her residence burst crackers and distributed sweets. Her residence in the busy T. Nagar area sported banners hailing her as the heir of Jayalalithaa and the entire neighbourhood was teeming with hundreds of her supporters.
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Asked if she accepted V.K. Sasikala or opposed her, she said, “I cannot accept anyone apart from Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Puratchi Thalaivi (revolutionary leader) Amma...I don’t accept any one in her (Jayalalithaa’s) place."
“My views are based on only what people want. There is nothing personal," she added.
In a reference to Sasikala, Deepa said she was “not afraid of anyone, but it is not in my nature to make personal comments." On claims being made that Sasikala’s family was the “brain" behind Jayalalithaa, Deepa said “it appears to be a wrong opinion, because Amma had unparallelled ability, she used to take independent decisions based on her own thinking."
Sasikala was named party general secretary last month at the AIADMK’s general council meeting. Deepa said the decision of naming Sasikala to the top post was “very quick," and “views of many have been ignored".
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On questions related to Jayalalithaa’s properties, which includes her sprawling upscale Poes Garden residence in Chennai, she said, “I have never been after anyone’s property. I don’t have a comment on it... I will be happy if I am given a pen used by my aunt as a souvenir."
“I am like her (Jayalalithaa) in resemblance and heart," she said, adding she will continue the good work of her aunt.
Asked if Jayalalithaa’s house should be declared a memorial, she said, “You can pose such questions to the people." She will solicit public views, she added.
On Sasikala’s brother Divakaran who claimed that their family protected Jayalalithaa for past 30 years, she said, “I think we have freedom of expression in India... Everyone is welcome to give their views... I don’t want to say if it is correct or incorrect."
Asked about her decision to join politics, Deepa said anyone willing to work for people’s welfare can join politics.
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