Keen political analysts, who were closely watching the developments in the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa disproportionate assets case, got a abrupt jolt as the former close associate of the CM recorded her maiden statement in the case at Bangalore on Saturday. Just minutes before, `the TN CM’s estranged friend Sasikala went nostalgic’ at the Bangalore Court which was dealing the case, in which she was the listed as the accused no 2.  Ms Sasikala gave a clean chit to her long time associate.

Ms Sasikala claimed that the CM was not involved in the case. "Jayalalithaa is not involved in the affairs of partnership. I alone operated the bank account. Jaya was a partner but not involved in affairs. I take blame for some of the things," she said in court.

The case relates to accumulation of wealth allegedly disproportionate to Ms Jayalalithaa's known sources of income when she was CM in 1991-96. Ms Jayalalithaa, is accused of amassing more than Rs. 66 Cr wealth disproportionate to her known sources of income.

It may be noted Ms Sasikala and her relations were all expelled from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in December 2011. Earlier Ms Sasikala was a close confidante of the CM for several years.   (With inputs from internet: AarKay)