Previously, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam had visited his mentor late J. Jayalalithaa’s burial site on Marina and there he had announced that he was forced to quit from his post.

This time he again made an appearance on Tuesday night along with his supporters and Jayalalithaa’s niece, Deepa Jayakumar.

Ending days of rumours and speculation, Deepa Jayakumar stated that she would work with Panneerselvam as if they are “two hands of the AIADMK.”

Accompanied by MLAs and MPs supporting him, Panneerselvam visited Jayalalithaa's memorial and offered homage. Minutes later, Deepa reached the venue and joined the Chief Minister.

“We will work together jointly as two hands of AIADMK in future for the people of Tamil Nadu. He asked for justice. I too ask the same,” Deepa told reporters.

She also said that "I would reveal future plans on my aunt's birth anniversary on February 24."

Education minister K. Pandiarajan, former Power Minister Natham Viswanathan, AIADMK MPs including V. Maitreyan, senior party leaders C. Ponnaiyan and E. Madhusudhanan were also present at the memorial.

Later, Deepa went to Panneerselvam's house on Greenways Road. She was given a traditional welcome by family members of the Chief Minister.

It may be recalled that Mr Panneerselvam had said: "Deepa and her brother Deepak were the only blood relations of Jayalalithaa."

“When Amma's mortal remains were in the hospital on the night of December 5, she (Deepa) was not allowed to pay her respects even at that time,” he had alleged.

Jayalalithaa Wanted Aishwarya Rai to Play her Role in her Biopic

BY M. DIVYA SRI