Deepa Jayakumar, late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's niece, is the latest figure to stake claim for state CM's post. On Jayalalithaa's 69th birthday today, Deepa launched a political platform - Amma Deepa Peravai - and vowed to free the AIADMK of 'traitors'.

Releasing a new logo of the AIADMK at her residence in Chennai, Deepa said her outfit was not a new party but an initiative to "revive Amma's AIADMK."

Replying to a question, she didn't rule out ties with O Panneerselvam and said she will contest Assembly election from RK Nagar seat, which was represented by Jayalalithaa.

HERE'S WHAT SHE SAID:

I request the support of AIADMK cadres for the movement to grow strong.

As per the request of Amma's cadres , I'll continue to be Amma's political heir and work for the people of Tamil Nadu. I will retrieve twin leaves symbol.

My political journey has begun and I will strive to help the poor.

I shall make Tamil Nadu the best state in Asia. I shall continue the works of Amma from where she left it.

There is a traitor group working behind the government and we will work continuously to throw away this group.

'Amma Deepa Peravai' is the platform we are formally launching today.

Will work to unite anti-Sasikala group.

It is a federation at this moment and I urge youth of Tamil Nadu to support it .

I will contest election from Chennai's RK Nagar constituency.

We will also definitely take part in upcoming Tamil Nadu local body elections.

Deepa has witnessed a steady rise in her popularity among AIADMK supporters since Jayalalithaa's death on December 5, 2016 and Sasikala's elevation as party general secretary. Posters were seen in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu backing Deepa as Jayalalithaa's true heir during the 10-day long political drama which saw Sasikala and O Panneerselvam locking horns over CM post earlier this month.

Earlier, Jayalalithaa's nephew and Deepa's brother Deepak said Sasikala becoming the CM was not acceptable to the people of Tamil Nadu, while claiming that the late AIADMK chief hadleft behind her properties to him and his sister.

Deepak, who once supported Sasikala, claimed that the former Chief Minister had bequeathed her properties, including her Veda Nilayam bungalow in Poes Garden in Chennai, to his sister Deepa Jayakumar and him, by leaving behind a will.

He also asserted that party members did not favour TTV Dhinakaran's appointment as deputy general secretary of AIADMK by Sasikala just hours before surrendering before a Bengaluru court last week.

WATCH: Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa Jayakumar announces her political debut

ALSO READ:

Sasikala's letter from jail to AIADMK workers: Celebrate Amma's birthday in grand style on February 24

Sasikala's enigma: From a video shop-owner to AIADMK boss