Former Minister Sengottaiyan Recounts Losing Tamil Nadu CM Post to EPS in 2017
In a startling revelation, former minister and TVK chief coordinator K A Sengottaiyan has detailed how he lost the opportunity to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu in 2017, with the position ultimately going to AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Speaking at an election rally in Erode on Thursday, Sengottaiyan recounted the pivotal events that unfolded after the demise of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa in December 2016 and the subsequent conviction of her aide V K Sasikala in a corruption case.
The Night Before the Decision: Sengottaiyan's Claim to the CM Post
Sengottaiyan asserted that he was initially chosen by Sasikala to be declared as the chief minister. "I should have become the chief minister after the demise of Jayalalithaa. I was chosen by Sasikala to be declared as CM until February 13 night at Koovathur," he said. According to his account, Sasikala patted him on the shoulder and even referred to him as the chief ministerial candidate that evening. In response, Sengottaiyan emphasized the importance of keeping the AIADMK united, a move he believed aligned with the party's interests during a turbulent period.
The Morning Turnaround: EPS Emerges with a "Cash Box"
However, the scenario changed dramatically the next morning. Sengottaiyan described how Edappadi K Palaniswami, commonly known as EPS, arrived with what he metaphorically referred to as a "cash box" in hand. "That person (EPS) had a cash box in his hand. I did not have a cash box in my hand," Sengottaiyan remarked, hinting at political maneuvering or resources that may have influenced the decision. He claimed that when he saw EPS in the morning, Sasikala informed him that she had chosen EPS for the CM post and asked Sengottaiyan to pave the way for him, which he agreed to do.
The Aftermath: EPS's Swift Move and Sengottaiyan's Sidelining
Sengottaiyan further quipped about the immediate aftermath of this decision. "No sooner, EPS fell on Sasikala's feet like a python and grabbed the opportunity, leaving me sidelined in the party henceforth," he said. This vivid description underscores the sudden shift in power dynamics within the AIADMK, which has had lasting implications for Sengottaiyan's political career. His remarks shed light on the internal conflicts and strategic moves that shaped Tamil Nadu's leadership during a critical juncture following Jayalalithaa's death.
This revelation comes amid ongoing political activities in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the enduring impact of the 2017 events on current party dynamics and election narratives.
