Sasikala presents MLAs before press, says 129 legislators support her

AIADMK supremo V K Sasikala on Sunday rejected as "falsehoods" the "reports" being spread by "rebels and rivals" that her party MLAs were held hostage at a resort near Chennai.

She said 129 MLAs support her. "Now, my friends in the media can see for themselves how much freedom they enjoy. You have seen them. You can report.

There have been deliberate attempts to defame and spread lies about us by members who have defected from us. They have been aided by enemy party members," said Sasikala.

Addressing reporters at the resort where the MLAs are staying, she chose to adopt a wait and watch policy when asked about the verdict in the disproportionate assets case expected in the coming week.

"Let it come, we shall see. Why do you jump to a conclusion?" she asked.

When questioned as to whether she was alleging that Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam was threatening AIADMK members, she said: "You people are intelligent, you can see for yourself. There is no need for me to say anything. Everyone knows what is happening in Tamil Nadu. And the forces behind those actions."

Alleging that those "who defected from us" and "our rivals" were spreading "falsehoods" that the MLAs were being held hostage, the AIADMK chief insisted that neither their free movement nor their freedom of expression have been hindered.