CHENNAI: Writing an epistle to AIADMK cadre from her prison cell on the eve of her late friend J. Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary, a “lonely” V K Sasikala on Thursday asked partymen to take a vow to save the party and to work for people to ensure the stability of the government. “That Amma is not with us makes me more sad. After having celebrated her birthday with her for the past 33 years, I feel lonely this year in her memories. My thoughts revolve around her,” Ms Sasikala said in the emotional appeal issued to 1.5 crore AIADMK cadres.”
Recalling the fervour with which Jayalalithaa’s birthday was celebrated in the past, Ms Sasikala said she “ never thought this year would turn out to be so challenging.” Jayalalithaa would have turned 69 on Friday if she was alive. “This year, let us remember her in our thoughts and take a pledge before her portrait and pray to save the party, work for the people by ensuring the government’s stability, and that her spirit always remains with us,” Sasikala said.
Contending that late Jayalalithaa was never cowed down by challenges and overcame them with grit and acumen, Ms Sasikala said overcoming the present difficulties faced by the party with the same grit is the gratitude the party can show her. Asking party cadres to tirelessly serve the public and uphold Jayalalithaa’s fame, Ms Sasikala said Jayalalithaa was a popular leader and anybody who had met her even once would remember her for life. She also recalled late Jayalalithaa’s struggle in uniting the AIADMK after it split following the death of its founder M. G. Ramachandran.
“Let the events held to mark Amma’s 69th birth anniversary be done with the intention of upholding her fame and with the wish that Amma’s government should deliver more pro-people initiatives and serve them,” she said.
Sasikala seeks better amenities in prison:
A “weak” AIADMK general secretary V. K. Sasikala has sought better amenities like a cot, mattress, table fan and attached bathroom in the Parapana Agrahara prison, where she is lodged. Citing her “weak health condition”, Ms Sasikala has sought these better facilities be provided to her so that she can improve on her health while in prison. Sources said a formal request has been placed before the prison authorities for availing these facilities.
Ms Sasikala has been denied permission for home food while in prison and she is currently forced to take food from the prison. The sources said though her BP and sugar level are normal, she feels weak and that was the reason for making request for special amenities. The development comes in the wake of reports that efforts have been launched to transfer Sasikala to Puzhal prison in Chennai. Sasikala is being treated as a normal prisoner and is not getting any special amenities.
