Cops refusing permission for Jaya b'day events: Panneerselvam

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam has alleged that police did not grant permission to his supporters to celebrate the 69th birth anniversary of his predecessor late J Jayalalithaa on Friday.

In a statement, he said, "When permission was sought for holding programmes such as rallies, hoisting of party flags and distribution of welfare schemes, police refused it."

Meanwhile, with several MLAs and MPs of the AIADMK faction led by Panneerselvam hailing from the western region of the State, the rebel camp is planning to hold its first zonal level conference in Salem soon.

Addressing a gathering of office-bearers of the party from Salem at the residence of Panneerselvam on Greenways Road on Monday, the dethroned chief minister said Salem could be the ideal venue as it had played a historic role in shaping the political trajectory in the State.

Panneerselvam has lashed out at DMK working president MK Stalin for demanding the removal of portraits of late party supremo J Jayalalithaa from government offices, saying it smacked of political indecency.

In a hard-hitting statement, he said Jayalalithaa was loved by people for her pro-people welfare measures and they would be outraged if any attempt was made to remove her portraits from government offices.