Malini Parthasarathy, former editor of The Hindu, took a dig at India Today inviting Sasikala to inaugurate its South Conclave 17, tweeting “Sasikala's entry legitimised by India Today which invites her to inaugurate its #SouthConclave17!” Rahul Kanwal of IT: ”@MaliniP do you seriously believe that Sasikala ascension dependent on our invitation or her status as supremo not in dispute in any case”. @MaliniP: “Ascension not dependent on you guys but certainly public legitimacy strengthened by invitation."