CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala was on Sunday unanimously elected legislature party leader by MLAs at a party meeting, paving the way for her to become the third woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place on Thursday.
Chief minister O Panneerselvam proposed her name and was seconded by the party MLAs at the party headquarters. “I resign. We elect Chinnamma (Sasikala) unanimously the legislature party leader,” Panneerselvam said, setting off applause in the hall. The allies who won on the two leaves symbol, MJK, Kongu Ilaignar Peravai and Mukkaluthur Pulipadai, also endorsed her candidature, though the MLAs were not present.
In all, 134 MLAs signed the resolution, totally backing Sasikala to take over the reins of the government. Hours later, Panneerselam tendered his resignation letter to governor C Vidyasagar Rao and cited personal reasons for his move. “Accept my resignation and relieve the council of ministers appointed by me on December 6,” he said in the letter. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the governor for extending all support and cooperation during his tenure as CM.
