J Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar says a majority in AIADMK want her as their leader
J Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar, launching herself as a candidate for her political legacy, said today that a majority in Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK want her as their leader - not her aunt's long-time friend Sasikala Natarajan. "There isn't anyone else and I have proof," the 42-year-old told NDTV. But she saved a bigger announcement for the February 24 birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister, saying: "I want to make this landmark change in my life on a very special day."
Ms Jayakumar's debut press conference was also set for a day the party marks the birth centenary of its founder and Jayalalithaa's mentor, MG Ramachandran or MGR.
Speaking to NDTV, she said she wants to follow in her aunt's footsteps and is inclined to contest from her RK Nagar constituency in Chennai.
Asked whether she had support in the AIADMK, she said: "The cadre is very eager...They want me to become their leader."
Four-time Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who led the AIADMK for over three decades, died on December 5. Just before the New Year, Sasikala Natarajan was elected by the grieving party as their new leader, the most acceptable replacement for their "Amma".
Though Sasikala - or "Chinamma (mother's younger sister)" as she is known in the party - has been backed by top leaders including Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, sections have projected Jayalalithaa's niece, who bears a striking resemblance to her, as her true representative.
In posters, she is a dead ringer for Jayalalithaa, complete with her style of wrapping her sari and waving.
Whether she will join the AIADMK and openly challenge Sasikala or start her own party is a decision she says she will take "after consulting with the party cadre and the people".
The London-educated daughter of Jayalalithaa's brother came into the spotlight when she complained last year that she was not allowed to visit her aunt at the Apollo hospital in Chennai. Later, she also alleged she was banned from her funeral in December.