J Jayalalithaa’s niece Deepa Jayakumar, launching herself as a candidate for her political legacy, said today that a majority in Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK want her as their leader – not her aunt’s long-time friend Sasikala Natarajan. “There isn’t anyone else and I have proof,” the 42-year-old told NDTV. But she saved a bigger announcement for the February 24 birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister, saying: “I want to make this landmark change in my life on a very special day.”
Ms Jayakumar’s debut press conference was also set for a day the party marks the birth centenary of its founder and Jayalalithaa’s mentor, MG Ramachandran or MGR.
Speaking to NDTV, she said she wants to follow in her aunt’s footsteps and is inclined to contest from her RK Nagar constituency in Chennai.
Asked whether she had support in the AIADMK, she said: “The cadre is very eager…They want me to become their leader.”
Four-time Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who led the AIADMK for over three decades, died on December 5. Just before the New Year, Sasikala Natarajan was elected by the grieving party as their new leader, the most acceptable replacement for their “Amma”.
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