Stay off betrayers, Jayalalithaa warns cadre

CHENNAI: In a clear-cut message to party functionaries of all levels that the ouster of V K Sasikala and her family members from the AIADMK was final, party leader and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday warned that “those who are acting according to the wishes of the persons who have been expelled from the party for their betrayal, will not be pardoned at any time.”Without naming Sasikala and others who were expelled, the AIADMK chief warned the party cadre at the general council meeting of the party held in suburban Vanagaram.“There are many categories of politicians and party functionaries. When some of them go errant, disciplinary action will be taken. While some remain calm realising that the punishment awarded to them is fair, some join other political parties. There is nothing wrong in doing so since everyone has to live ...,” Jayalalithaa said hinting at the recent developments in the party. “But there is another section of people. Even after their expulsion from the party, they intimidate the party cadre that they would make a comeback and tell the cadre ‘if you antagonise us today, we will take revenge on you after our re-entry’. Such persons, who work against the party leadership, will not be pardoned. And partymen who act according to the wishes of such persons too will not be pardoned,” she said handing out a stern warning.Cautioning partymen against going wrong, Jayalalithaa said, “If we commit any fault, our conscience will keep haunting us and we will not be able to have a wink of sleep. On the other hand, if we keep ourselves away from such wrongdoings, we will rise to great heights in public life...Our actions should become our supporting forces so that we can provide a clean administration.” All those who spoke at the GC meeting reposed loyalty to the leadership of Jayalalithaa. Party presidium chairman E Madhusudanan, former Assembly Speaker P H Pandian, ministers O Panneerselvam, B Valarmathi, P Thangamani and KP Munusamy, former minister Anwar Raza and actor Senthil were among those who addressed the meeting.