In a setback for VK Sasikala, the Madras High Court on Monday upheld a decision by Edappadi Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam to remove her from the position of general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) after the death of J Jayalalithaa.
With O Panneerselvam as the stand-in chief minister, Sasikala had held the position after Jayalalithaa’s death, just before her imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case in February 2017.
AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said: “AIADMK had petitioned to dismiss the claim of VK Sasikala as general secretary, stating she has no locus standi, was listed today at the 4th additional district sessions court, Chennai. The honorable judge, acknowledging the petition filed by EPS and OPS, dismissed Sasikala’s plea and passed an order favouring EPS and OPS.”
After the HC dismissed her plea, Sasikala told the reporters that she would soon challenge the decision. According to sources, she is now mulling legal routes and is likely to move the Supreme Court.
Over five years after she lost control of the AIADMK, Sasikala has been trying to be a contender to Jayalalithaa’s legacy, while Panneerselvam and Palaniswami have sealed their positions within the party.
Read all the Latest News , Breaking News and IPL 2022 Live Updates here.