India's Tamil Nadu plunges into political turmoil after chief minister's revolt

India's southern state of Tamil Nadu has plunged into political turmoil after the outgoing chief minister revolted against his successor-designate.

O. Panneerselvam had resigned as Tamil Nadu's chief minister Sunday after the ruling AIADMK party announced that Sasikala Natarajan, a long-time aide of the state's influential politician J. Jayalalitha, would become the head of government.

Panneerselvam, who is currently officiating as the chief minister, said that he was actually forced to quit by a group of the regional party's lawmakers to make way for Sasikala, who is also the party chief.

"I was coerced and humiliated into resigning as chief minister, and that if the party cadre wants, I will withdraw my resignation," he told the media Tuesday night.

Panneerselvam became the chief minister after the death of his predecessor Jayalalitha two months ago.

Meanwhile, Sasikala's swearing-in ceremony as the state's next chief minister is being delayed as Tamil Nadu's governor has not yet found time to administer her the oath of office, which many say, could be a deliberate move to postpone in the wake of a graft case.

The Supreme Court is likely to announce its judgment in the decades-old corruption case against Sasikala and Jayalalitha as early as next week, and the governor is buying time for the outcome of the order, said experts. If convicted, Sasikala could be jailed for up to 10 years.

Sasikala, known as Chinnamma (younger mother) to her supporters, had been with Jayalalitha for over the past three decades till the latter's death in December last year. Endit