New Delhi: AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, who was shunted out of the party by Jayalaithaa's aide V K Sasikala, on Wednesday has alleged that he was never allowed to see the ailing former CM and was turned away whenever he visited Apollo hospital.
Panneerselvam had resigned as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Monday but said he would take back his resignation if the party's MLA's insisted.
"I never got to see her once even though I went every day for more than 70 days of (Jayalalithaa) her hospitalization. They turned me away saying she is in ICU and her immunity is low so you must cooperate," Panneerselvam told CNN-News18.
Panneerselvam, who rebelled against Sasikala, also revealed on Tuesday night that he was forced to resign as Tamil Nadu chief minister.
Speaking to CNN-News18, Panneerselvam said, "I don't understand her (Sasikala) rush to become CM, does she not understand the situation in Tamil Nadu? I am unable to understand why the rush. When you force people to power, we all know the dire consequences that may happen."
On being asked whether BJP is behind his revolt against Sasikala, the AIADMK leader said, "No such thing. Why should I side with BJP. Now the condition of the cadre, partymen and people is worrisome, that is why I was forced to speak out to the press."
Panneerselvam also said he will not respond to criticism by his partymen.
"I will not respond to criticisms of my party leaders because they are stuck in a place where they are forced to behave in a certain way. I have no ill will against them or what they say about me," he said.
He also told CNN-News18, "All these days when I was in-charge I made sure no blemish came to party's name and so I continued obliging them until now even though it was against my desire. I did my duty and my conscience is clear. They have some ego issue with me."
The AIADMK leader leader also accused the party leaders of stopping him from going to Jayalalithaa's memorial.
Panneerselvam said that When he was asked to step down, he said yes but sought time to pray to Amma and get her blessings.
"But they said no you cant go," the AIADMK leader said.
On Jayalalithaa medical treatment and controversy surrounding her death, Panneerselvam said, "There are some concerns and doubts but they can only be raised by medical experts, it is our duty to seek answers but we must not speculate."
Panneerselvam also refused to go into details of why bureaucrats were transferred or had left.
"All bureaucrats left of their own accord, and I do not wish to speculate on the reasons. Sheela Balakrishnan was on extension, so her leaving is not a surprise. She even thanked me before leaving," he said.
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