Reacting on the 'constitutional crisis' AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala alleged that the main opposition party DMK was behind O Panneerselvam's revolt against her. She also said that "all the party MLAs are supporting her and hence there is 'no problem' in her becoming the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister."

"All the MLAs are there like a single family, so there is no problem," she told reporters at a crowded press meet.

This was the first time Sasikala interacted with the journalists, addressing an impromptu press meet in front of her residence at around 1.15 AM. Though she had previously addressed party leaders and MLAs after taking over as party chief in December last year, this was her first interaction with media persons.

When asked if Panneerselvam, who was removed from the post of party treasurer and whether he would also be removed from AIADMK's primary membership, she said, "for sure, we will do it."

When asked if she believed that her swearing-in was being delayed by Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, though she has been elected leader of the legislature party, she shot back "I feel the same what you feel."

In reply to another question, she said "DMK is behind Panneerselvam...the reason is that in the recent Assembly session the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition were looking at each other and laughing together."

She denied Panneerselvam's charge that he was forced to resign, saying "he was saying what he was told."

"I was not Allowed to see Jayalalithaa in the hospital" :Panneerselvam

BY M. DIVYA SRI