The delay in her accession to the post of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister was designed to "create a split" in the ruling AIADMK party, VK Sasikala alleged today, promising to escalate the week-long political crisis that has crippled the state with a "new kind of protest" from tomorrow. The sharp change in her tone came after a meeting with legislators of her party who have been rounded off to a luxury resort with minimal external contact for the last three days in an attempt to prevent them from being influenced by the rival faction led by O Panneerselvam. Mr Panneerselvam had offered his resignation to the Governor last Sunday, stepping aside for Ms Sasikala but only to renege on his decision two days later, saying it had been taken under "duress". The Governor, on his part, is yet to hint what happens next.
