Sasikala Using Booze to Hold AIADMK MLAs ‘Hostage’ in Resort

Over 100 MLAs, who were packed off in three buses and transported, continue to be holed up in the resort.

A day after the news of AIADMK members being herded inside the Golden Bay Resorts on the outskirts of Chennai emerged, Tamil Nadu Director General of Police TK Rajendran has directed the state police to intervene in the issue. There have been allegations that the MLAs are being kept ‘locked up’ by the Sasikala camp.

On Thursday, a source said that all the MLAs were holed up in the resort, with no one being allowed in and out of the premises. There were allegations that MLAs are being supplied alcohol and brainwashed into supporting Sasikala.

Also Read: AIADMK MLA Runs Away From Sasikala’s Bus to Unite With OPS

Over 100 MLAs, who were packed off in three buses and transported to the beach resort on Wednesday, spent another night at Golden Bay Resorts. A source said that virtually all access and contact with those at the hotel has been cut off.

There are jammers, CCTV cameras are switched off, mobile phones are not allowed to be used.

For all the live updates on the OPS versus Sasikala tussle for power, click here.

‘There's Been Dancing, Alcohol is Flowing’

But what little information has come out from the beach resort is revealing. "There's been dancing, alcohol is flowing. Everything from cut fruits onwards is being provided to the MLAs as demanded," said the source.

While reports had surfaced that some of the MLAs had taken to a fast in the hotel to protest against their confinement, TNM has learnt that no such thing has taken place.

Panneerselvam Camp Wants Action to Be Taken

Meanwhile, sources say that O Panneerselvam has pressed upon the DGP to intervene in the matter. He is said to have asked the DGP on how MLAs can be allowed to be kept in captivity like this, and that this is not an internal matter of the AIADMK, but an issue of upholding the democracy of the state.

Also Read: What’s Happening Inside the Resort Where AIADMK MLAs Are ‘Hiding’?

The DGP is now expected to send a police contingent to take stock of the situation at the resort, and several media organisations have also rushed to the spot.

However, AIADMK MLA N Murugumaran of Kattumannarkoil of the Sasikala camp stepped out of the resort and told Thanthi TV that they want Sasikala to be the CM, and that they are not being kept against their wishes. He also blamed the DMK for spreading rumours and panic about them.