Late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s niece J Deepa yesterday announced her decision to enter politics but said she wasn’t sure whether she would join the ruling the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam or float a new party.
Deepa’s move could worry the party’s new leader V K Sasikala.
As her supporters raised slogans hailing her outside her home, Deepa told reporters she had no doubts about the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa in December.
Deepa said there were two views on her political journey.
“I need time to decide. Have to discuss with people. We have to get everybody’s views.”
She said she would announce her next course of action on February 24, the birthday of her aunt Jayalalithaa.
And in comments clearly directed at Sasikala, Deepa made it clear that she does not accept anybody other than AIADMK founder, the late M G Ramachandran (MGR), and Jayalalithaa as the party leader.
She thanked her supporters and said she was not after Jayalaltihaaa’s property.
Claiming AIADMK activists were with her, Deepa, a graduate in English literature with a Masters in International Journalism from Cardiff University, said she had not asked any other party for support and thanked the people for reposing confidence in her.
She said she would follow the footsteps of MGR and Jayalalithaa and would work for the welfare of the people.
Her relationship with Jayalalithaa was like that of a mother and daughter, she added, using words bound to upset Sasikala, a long-time aide to the late chief minister.
Deepa said Jayalalithaa’s death was a shock but before the shock could subside, changes had happened in the political space.
Asked whether Sasikala, who is now the AIADMK general secretary, had invited her to join the party, Deepa replied: “No”.
Deepa avoided any anti-Sasikala remarks. Banners in Deepa’s support have come up all over the state.
The AIADMK said Deepa had made no attempt to join the party.
“The party has a procedure to become a member. Anybody can apply to become a member but the general secretary decides whether an applicant can be admitted or not,” party spokesman Avadi Kumar said.
“If Deepa comes with a demand, then it may be an issue.
“Anybody can become a member by registering online. But such a member is not eligible to stand for election for party posts,” Kumar added.
He said the party had temporarily stopped issuing new membership cards after Jayalalithaa’s death.
He declined to comment on Deepa’s admission, saying a decision would be taken by Sasikala.
“Anybody can float a new political party. But capturing power in the state by a third party other than the AIADMK or the DMK is not possible in Tamil Nadu,” Kumar said.