CHENNAI: Former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa’s niece J. Deepa, is expected to launch a new party on the birth anniversary of her aunt, besides introducing the party flag. After Jayalalithaa’s death, Deepa has been staunchly opposing the elevation of AIADMK general secretary V.K. Sasikala to the post and partymen have been gathering before her house at T. Nagar every day. She had started waving to the crowd in Jayalalithaa’s style and addressing the gathering. Party cadre have also started Deepa Peravai at several places in the state.
On January 17, on the occasion of AIADMK founder MGR’s birth anniversary, there were expectations that she would make the announcement for a new party. A large number of cadre gathered before her house on that day. Addressing them, she promised to announced her decision on Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary. Even while Deepa was opposing Sasikala, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam had revolted against Sasikala. Panneerselvam had also said he would invite Deepa to his movement against Sasikala. She also joined Panneerselvam when the latter went to Jayalalithaa’s burial place on February 15.
Panneerselvam asserted that they would stand united to fight against to save the AIADMK. She went with Panneerselvam to his house and was welcomed by Panneerselvam’s wife. They also discussed further political activities against Sasikala. But, after the occasion, there was no signal from Deepa to Panneerselvam. Several advertisements in evening newspapers have announced that Deepa would launch a new party. She is likely to introduce her party flag, after paying floral tributes her aunt’s burial place on the Marina.
