'Fight against our enemy': Sasikala demands loyalty in a letter published in Namadhu MGR

In a letter to party cadre, which appeared in the AIADMK mouthpiece Namadhu MGR on Sunday, General Secretary VK Sasikala has stressed the importance of loyalty within the party. The message, which appeared in the paper controlled by the TTV Dhinakaran faction, appealed to the cadre to fight against the party's enemies.

 

The letter comes just days after Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisami passed a resolution nullifying directives that come from the party's deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran. The EPS faction is also back in talks with the faction led by O Panneerselvam for a merger. Dhinakaran's re-entry into the party's activities seems to have set off a warning bell within the other two factions and if reports are to be believed, efforts are on by the Government to sideline both Dhinakaran and VK Sasikala. 

 

"We must not allow problems that have erupted due to Jayalalithaa's demise to be taken advantage of by enemies," said the letter. "Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has taught this party two important things —army-like discipline that no other party in India has and respect and loyalty for the party leadership," it reads. 

 

She further claims that 'hard work' and 'loyalty' are enough to take anyone to great heights. "It is due to my care, love and affection for the party that I decided to be in public life to protect the AIADMK, which is the third largest party in the country," she added.

 

Reports suggest that the EPS and OPS faction are waiting for the election commission's decision on the appointment of VK Sasikala as General secretary. They will then reportedly hold a General Council meeting. The government is also facing a threat from the opposition, who have warned them of a no trust vote.

 

Dhinakran told the media on Friday that he would come up with a strategy if DMK working President MK Stalin moves a no-trust vote. But EPS remains confident of sailing through such a situation. He reportedly even called TTV a 420 (IPC section referring to cheating).