AIADMK gags ministers from talking about Jaya's days in hospital

The AIADMK has issued orders to all senior functionaries asking them to desist from issuing any communique on the events surrounding late chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s hospitalisation.

The move comes after several ministers made contradictory statements.

A source in the AIADMK said that the order was issued by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

Forest Minister Dindigul Srinivasan’s triggered a controversy with his claim that none of the ministers had met Jayalalithaa when she was hospitalised.

Later, Cooperation Minister Sellur K Raju made a contradictory claim that he and several Cabinet colleagues met the AIADMK chief when she was hospitalised.

Soon after the gag order was issued, Raju avoided a series of questions and said it was unfair to speculate about Jayalalithaa’s hospitalisation.

Also, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar, who often spoke to the media about Jayalalithaa’s treatment, avoided questions and said an inquiry commission is already investigating the issue.

Similarly, Information and Publicity Minister Kadambur Raju said that he cannot comment on Jayalalithaa’s death as an inquiry commission is looking into the matter.