Tamil Nadu: Panneerselvam says he was forced to resign from CM’s post

CHENNAI: O Paneerselvam, Tamil Nadu’s ex- Chief minister on Tuesday night said he was forced to resign from the post.

Paneerselvam, who submitted his resignation on Sunday after AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala was elected as legislature party leader, while addressing the media said he would withdraw his resignation if people, party men and MLAs wanted it.

He reminded about how he had kept the good name through his action during cyclone Vardah, Jallikattu protest and Oil Spil.
“They (Sasikala camp) were upset over my government’s pro-active work in the aftermath of cyclone Vardah ,” he said.

A few days before the demise of Jayalalithaa, he had been told that party presidium chairman E Madhusudhanan should be made general secretary. “I opposed, it,” he said.

“Health minister C Vijayabaskar asked me to propose Sasikala’s name for party general secretary, and I did after consulting senior ministers,” Panneerselvam said.

Later, several leaders, ministers started demanding that Sasikala be the chief minister. “All these made me lose peace. I was humiliated as ministers selected by me were making calls to make another person as the CM. I have been patient so far. I was informed about legislature party meeting and MLAs were made to sign electing Sasikala as leader of the legislature party.”

 

Paneerselvam reached the MGR Memorial on Marina around 9pm, where late chief minister J Jayalalithaa is buried. He sat down in front of Jayalalithaa’s burial site and closed his eyes. His meditative pose continued for around 40 minutes, which totally confused his security and party workers. Around 9.40pm, he stood up walked around the grave after which he addressed the media.