Tamil Nadu political crisis: Sasikala approaches Congress

The camp of AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala is reported to be in touch with the Congress for support to form the government in case of emergency.

According to media reports, Congress high command on 9 February had summoned Tamil Nadu Congress chief S Thirunavukkarasar along with legislature party leader K Ramasamy to New Delhi to consult the same.

If the sources are to be believed, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet Tamil Nadu party MLAs.

Amid the political crisis that began with state chief minister O Panneerselvam's rebel against Sasikala, she visited the memorial of her predecessor Jayalalithaa last evening, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, including some senior ministers, prior to her meeting with Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao.

Later in the day, Sasikala staked claim to form the government claiming support of 129 MLAs, while AIADMK has135 MLAs in the 234-member assembly.

Before meeting Sasikala, the governor met caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam.

On Sunday, Sasikala was elected the Legislature Party Leader, paving her way for her elevation as Chief Minister.

AIADMK had claimed that 131 MLAs had attended a meeting called by her yesterday in the wake of a rebellion by Panneerselvam.

In a sudden twist of events, Panneerselvam had raised a banner of revolt, stalling the process of Sasikalas elevation with the Governor taking his time to take a decision.

--With PTI inputs