People didn't vote for Sasikala, will contest polls, says Jaya's niece

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar’s statement has come on a day when AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan’s swearing-in ceremony was stalled...

Hours after founding member of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam PH Pandian raised questions over Jayalalithaa's death, her niece addressed the media slamming party general secretary Sasikala Natarajan. Deepa Jayakumar claimed that the people of Tamil Nadu did not vote Sasikala to power. "Only a democratically elected person should become the chief minister and everybody knows that people did not vote for Sasikala," she said. Her statements come on the day Sasikala's swearing-in ceremony was stalled due to the governor's unavailability.

Deepa has been in the spotlight ever since she was denied permission to meet Jayalalithaa on November 4 when she suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital. The leader was declared dead the very next day. Deepa also slammed the press meet organised by the government to dispel the rumours around Jayalalithaa's death and claimed that Dr Richard Beale's statements were influenced by government pressure.

"I have been raising my voice about the mysteries around her death. Why were I and the media kept away? The doctors refused to give details of why she was admitted and what treatment was given to her and who authorised those treatments. Who is the family they were referring to?" asked Deepa. She accused Sasikala of distancing her from Jayalalithaa and denying her the right of a family.

Will contest polls, says Deepa Jayakumar

Speaking to the media, Deepa reiterated that she will contest elections and was waiting to make announcements regarding the same on her aunt's birthday. "I will contest elections but it is not necessary that I contest from the same constituency (RK Nagar). I want to carry my aunt's work forward and do something for the people of Tamil Nadu. You may take this the way you want, and I am open to criticisms. Unless I am given an opportunity to serve the people, how can someone decide if I can or can't?" Deepa said responding to a question on the timing of her statements.

Deepa said that her claim to Jayalalithaa's legacy had more to do with the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu than property. She assured that she will make Tamil Nadu the best state in the whole of Asia and won't betray the people who are standing by her. She also added that political instability would arise if Sasikala came to power.

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