Panneerselvam said that ‘I told them that Jaya is still under treatment, what was the big hurry.’ (PTI)

After virtually staying in the background in the wake of the death of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam today came into the spotlight by first visiting Jaya’s mausoleum in an unscheduled visit, sat in silence for over 15 minutes and then approached the media and made some sensational revelations, the most important of which was that he would take back his resignation. Saying that during Jaya’s 75-day treatment, when her health deteriorated, he was told that her health was ‘very bad’ and that the ‘party, government and Tamil Nadu must be saved’. Panneerselvam said that ‘I told them that Jaya is still under treatment, what was the big hurry.’ However, he said that ‘I was told that emergency decision must be taken. I heeded that decision.’

Saying that the spirit of Jayalalithaa was guiding him to speak the truth, Panneerselvam said Uday Kumar wanted Sasikala as chief minister. He said that he approached Sasikala and asked her ‘how partyman can speak against the chief minister?’ Panneerselvam said he took decisoons that he did to ensure the party was not split.

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Panneerselvam then made a sensational claim that he was forced to resign as Tamil Nadu chief minister and was forced to write the letter recommending Sasikala’s name as the new chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

He said he was “installed as the chief minister but was totally humiliated.” Saying that he wanted just to serve the people and the party, Panneerselvam said, “I have performed my duty without any shortcomings and carried forward path shown by Amma.”

Saying that he was the chosen one of Amma, Panneerselvam said, “When she was in the hospital I asked her, she (Jayalalithaa) asked me to take over as CM.”

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He added that things went out of control at a meeting at Sasikala’s place where senior party leaders were present and question of her being CM were raised. Panneerselvam said, “I asked how far was this justified.” He added, “Revenue Minister, R B Uday Kumar, said Sasikala should take over as CM, when I was the CM.

Panneerselvam exclaimed, “I was given the CM post but insulted continuously.”

If this in-fighting continues in AIADMK then no stable govt is possible. — Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) February 7, 2017

After voicing his protest at the unfair treatment meted out to him by Sasikala in a dramatic late night twist, Panneerselvam made the most explosive statement of them all and said, “I will take back my resignation if party workers and people ask me to.”

Saying that he will no longer tolerate being pushed around, Panneerselvam indicated he was ready for a fight with his detractors and said “I am laying these facts in front of you to make things clear in public I will continue to struggle.” Significantly, he also hinted that he has adequate backing from sections of the AIADMK party.

Panneerselvam later added that he was prevailed upon to do Sasikala bidding by saying, “Party leaders said I have to take initiative towards making Sasikala CM that’s how I was forced to tender resignation.”

However, he showed signs of his former, more acommodative self and said that he was willing to look favourably at other contenders for the chief minister’s post. He said, “One who can protect AIADMK and the government should become chief minister, even if it’s not me.” Also indicating that the search for the future chief minister may well be a long one, he added, “One who can protect the interest of the state should become the Chief Minister.”