EPS, OPS, Deepa compete to mark Jaya's birthday

The camp led by AIADMK geneal secretary V K Sasikala including chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the rival faction led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam and the team led by Deepa Jayakumar today separately celebrated the birth anniversary fo Jayalalithaa.

A function was held at AIADMK headquarters and it saw the participation of Palaniswami, party deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and others.

Tributes were paid to a portrait of Jayalalithaa at the residence of Panneerselvam. Deepa started her new forum today and distributed goodies to the needy.

"I'm not eyeing Poes Garden," said Deepa. Palaniswami and other top leaders from Sasikala camp will participate in public meetings from February 24 to 28 to commemorate the birth anniversary.

Sasikala said every year Jayalalithaa's birthday was celebrated with fervour, but "I never thought this year will turn out to be so challenging." "That Amma is not with us makes me more sad. After having celebrated her birthday with her for the past 33 years, I feel lonely this year in her memories. My thoughts revolve around her," she had said.

Meanwhile, the faction led by Panneerselvam issued a statement saying the party flag would be hoisted across the state and free food would be provided to the poor. The statement was released by E Madusudanan. MLAs, MPs and senior AIADMK leaders would participate in the functions, said Madusudanan.