Opposition pins hopes on SC verdict in disproportionate case

Chennai: Opposition leaders on Monday pinned their hopes on the Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate case against AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala and said she would be unseated if the judgment is adverse.

While DMK working president M.K. Stalin said Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam could make a fourth comeback, PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss insisted that Governor should wait till the apex court verdict as she could be disqualified immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.

Speaking to reporters at Tiruchy airport, Stalin cited the Supreme Court announcement that it would deliver the judgement on the appeal against the Karnataka High Court verdict in the disproportionate wealth case against Sasikala. “Since, Panneerselvam has got the opportunity to become the Chief Minister thrice, he will get a fourth chance”. However, Sasikala’s husband M. Natarajan had been admitted to Apollo Hospital adding to the mystery surrounding the whole episode, Stalin added.

He also cited messages in the social media that for voting once, the state had seen three Chief Ministers. Anbumani, speaking to reporters here, said as the apex verdict would be out in a week, there is no urgency for Sasikala to take over as Chief Minister.

The Governor should be patient for another week and arrange for her swearing-in after the verdict, if the arrangements are necessary. He said Sasikala was not given a post in the government when former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa was alive and added that Panneerselvam was made the Chief Minister by Jayalalithaa herself. Anbumani said only the MLAs and MPs support Sasikala, and the people do not support her.