VK Sasikala set to return to Tamil Nadu on February 7, AMMK prepares for grand reception

With former Jayalalitha aide VK Sasikala set to return to Tamil Nadu after her release from Parappana Aghrahara prison, AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran has called for a rousing reception for the former AIADMK leader. Maintaining that the reception from Tamil Nadu border to Chennai should be set 'without any hindrance' to the public, Dhinakaran also urged everyone to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Dhinakaran, who is also VK Sasikala's nephew, also sent out stirring message to his followers stating that the party will prevent 'evil DMK' from interfering in the upcoming assembly elections. 

"We, the true volunteers of Amma, will all work together to restore the movement that the revolutionary mother built, to establish her true rule in Tamil Nadu and to prevent the evil DMK from interfering in the coming elections," Dhinakaran tweeted on Wednesday morning. 

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Sasikala formally released from prison

VK Sasikala was formally released from the Parappana Aghrahara prison in Bengaluru on January 27 after she completed her sentence in the disproportionate assets case. Earlier, Dhinakaran also defended the use of AIADMK flag on Sasikala's car after she was discharged from hospital post COVID-19 treatment. TTV Dinakaran claimed that the former Jayalalithaa aide was unanimously nominated as the party's general secretary in December 2016 and that this was their stance as the matter was being heard in the court.

READ | Sasikala To Challenge EC Order On AIADMK's 'two Leaves' Symbol? Lawyer Says Decision Soon

Further, Sasikala's nephew pointed out that she had all the rights to make political decisions and that it was the stance of AMMK. Providing an update on Sasikala's health, TTV Dinakaran informed that she was to be in isolation for the next week following which decisions will be taken on the future course of actions. 

Sasikala's release has electrified the battle in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. It remains to be seen if the former Jayalalitha aide takes over control of the AIADMK or settle for contesting with the AMMK. As per reports, Sasikala's advocate Raja Senthoor Pandian informed that they (Sasikala) would be filing a curative petition soon and that they did not file any plea during the pandemic as they were awaiting Sasikala's release.

Further, he also noted that they had expected Sasikala to be released in August via remission and hence the delay in challenging EC's move. EC granted AIADMK's 'two leaves' symbol to the EPS-led faction in November 2017 following which Sasikala and AMMK leader and her nephew TTV Dinakaran challenged the decision in the Delhi HC. However, the HC upheld the decision of the EC in 2019 following which the SC dismissed two petitions in March 2019 and July 2020. 

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