In Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK has convened its General Body meeting in Chennai today which is being held along with its executive committee meeting, the first meeting of the party’s highest decision making body after the demise of J. Jayalalithaa. Party’s spokesperson Ponnaiyan told reporters that new general secretary in place of Ms Jayalalithaa will be selected at the meeting.

Ahead of the AIADMK General Body Meeting, the ruling party executive committee is expected to pass a resolution to select Ms VK Sasikala, the former close aide of late chief minister J.Jayalalithaa as the new general secretary. Most of the district units of the party have passed resolutions supporting her candidature, and many senior leaders have urged her to take up the mantle of the party though no nomination has been filed on her behalf. However, party sources say, even without papers, the party can name a general secretary. Though there are dissenting voices against her candidature, support seemingly swells in her favour.

Tight security blanket has been put in place around the venue of the meeting. Meanwhile, the party’s rebel MP MS Sasikala Pushpa’s supporters were roughed up in the party office in Chennai yesterday and her husband Lingeswaran was injured. A police complaint has been lodged against him by the party. It is said that he tried to file his nomination for the post of general secretary. However, Mr Ponnaiyan said, no nomination for the post has been filed so far.