The surprise move came a day after Sasikala was supposed to take oath as the CM after Panneerselvam’s resignation from the post on Sunday. The same day, Sasikala was elected leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s legislative party.

How the turn of events came about?

On Tuesday evening, OPS visited the Jayalalithaa memorial at Chennai’s Marina beach. He was seen sitting in silence as if in meditation. After 15-20 minutes he came out, claiming that the spirit of Jayalalithaa had asked him to reveal some truth to the people of Tamil Nadu.

He then addressed media and made some startling claims, openly revolting against Sasikala.

What did he say in the press meet?

Panneerselvam said he was threatened and coerced to resign as the chief minister to pave the way for General Secretary VK Sasikala to occupy the position. Panneerselvam also claimed that Jayalalithaa did not want Sasikala to become the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s general secretary.

Sasikala hit back

Following the controversy, the AIADMK has removed Panneerselvam as party’s treasurer with immediate effect, the party said on Wednesday. 

Senior leaders and ministers met AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala at the Poes Garden residence of late J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday night when the decision to dismiss Panneerselvam was taken. The party also said that rival DMK was behind OPS’s revolt. Speaking to reporters, Sasikala said all the party legislators were united as a single family.

The copy will be updated.