Chennai, Dec.29 (PTI): The AIADMK on Thursday appointed V.K. Sasikala to take over as its general secretary, a post held by Jayalalithaa, her mentor and chief minister, who passed away on December 5.

The general council of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam adopted the resolution at its meeting here on Thursday.

Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, who is also treasurer of the party, said, ”In tune with party rules, honourable Chinnamma is appointed AIADMK general secretary and a resolution to this effect has been adopted unanimously by the general council.”

Flanked by senior leaders such as Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M. Thambidurai and State Minister Edappadi Palanisamy, Panneerselvam said they were going to meet “Chinamma” to ”apprise her of the party decision and to seek her concurrence,” for the party decision.

Significantly, the resolution that was adopted says ”This general council adopts this resolution appointing Chinnamma VK Sasikala as the party general secretary till such time she is (formally) elected to that post in tune with party rule 20, clause 2.”

Hailing Sasikala's contribution to the growth of the party, the resolution also says it “unanimously gives her all the powers bestowed on the position of general secretary (by the party rules) to administer the party.”

The resolution was moved by party presidium chairman E. Madusudanan and Chief Minister O. Panneersevlam and Edapadi Palanisamy.

The resolution makes it clear that Sasikala will be formally elected as party general secretary at a later date in keeping with the stipulations of the party constitution.

Till such time she is elected, the party has appointed her to the post giving her all powers of that post.