As support increases for OPS, Sasikala shifts to action mode

Apparently 'frustrated' over the suspense and the delay in her swearing in as the Chief Minister and taken aback by the sudden development of a Minister shifting loyalty to the rival camp led by caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and concerned over the increasing desertions, AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala in a veiled warning said there was a limit for patience and whatever needs to be done will be done.

In a major boost to Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, School Education Minister K Pandiarajan today joined his dissident camp, becoming the first sitting minister to do so.

Pandiarajan, the suave face of the AIADMK, arrived at the Greenways Road residence of Panneerselvam with his supporters and joined his group in the presence of other dissident leaders, including former Minister K P Munsamy and Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan.

Following this, adressing the party cadres at the Poes Garden residence of her long time aide and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, where she was staying, Ms Sasikala said she believed in democracy and justice and maintaining peace.

''But we can be patient only to some extent. After a point, we will do whatever needs to be done'', she said, minutes after School Education Minister Ma Foi Pandiarajan, in a dramatic turn of events, turned hostile against her, met OPS and pledged his support.

She also went to a resort at Koovathur where her supporting MLAs are staying and addressed them.

Meanwhile, Pandiarajan expressed confidence that the caretaker government would transform into a permanent regime. Hours before he joined hands with Panneerselvam, Pandiarajan had said he would listen to the voice of his voters.