Poes garden belongs to us: Jayalalithaa's nephew stakes claim

Breaking his silence for the first time, Jayalalithaa's nephew Deepak Jayakumar said that Poes Garden belonged to him and his sister Deepa. Deepak Jayakumar, in an interview to television channel NewsX said that Sasikala's relatives TTV Dinakaran and Venkatesh cannot run the AIADMK. His statement hints at the fight for legacy being reduced to Jayalalithaa's kin versus Sasikala's family.

Speaking to NewsX, Deepak said that he was willing to pay the fine imposed by the Supreme Court on Jayalalithaa but had no political aspirations. "I will sell properties and pay up the fine if I have to but Poes Garden belongs to Deepa and me. None can claim it. Only Deepa and I are entitled to my aunt's properties," he said.

Deepak also made his disgruntlement about Sasikala's family clear and said, "I have no political aspirations and will accept Sasikala as the General secretary of the party but how can TTV Dinakaran and Venkatesh be given plum posts in the party? Deepa can claim stake but not these two. An attempt to bring in family politics is being made."

While Jayalalithaa's neice has been vocal about her stand since day one of her aunt's death, Deepak had maintained a low profile. In his itnerview on Thursday, he took many by surprise as he opposed Sasikala's family leading the party. "Sasikala was probably forced to handover the reigns of party. The cadre will not accept this and I think this will lead to AIADMK's split. DMK will form the government despite Stalin involving in family politics. I do not know why Sasikala took such decisions," he said.

On being asked about O Panneerselvam, Deepak said he supported his good administration. "I respect Paneerselvam and support his good administration. He was a good Chief Minister and I can not say anything more about him," he said.

Deepak statements add to the split in the AIADMK as well as Jayalalithaa supporters. More so because, Deepak was seen standing by Sasikala Natarajan during Jayalalithaa's funeral while Deepa, his sister was deliberately kept away. Deepak was also seen in Apollo Hospital when Jayalalithaa's death was announced.

It may be noted that Deepak was present in the resort where AIADMK MLAs were herded ahead of the trust vote. On the day Sasikala removed O Panneerselvam from the party. Deepak along with TTV Dinakaran had attended the meeting. Deepak, who was time and again referred to as a supporter of Sasikala came out staking claim to Jayalalithaa's residence that Panneerselvam wanted to convert as a memorial for the former Chief Minister.

His interview to the television channel has given a fresh twist to the political scenario in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar is set to float a new party. Deepa had earlier said that she would make her entry into politics on Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary. Deepa is expected to announce a name, flag and list of cadres.

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