Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) has urged for the consolidation of all AIADMK factions, holding party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) responsible for the internal discord. OPS criticized EPS for unilaterally amending the party’s bylaws, particularly concerning the election process for the general secretary post, which he believes contradicts MGR’s democratic principles and is at the core of the party’s current crisis.
OPS emphasized that these changes were made without consensus, eroding the party’s tradition of collective leadership. He expressed confidence in his legal challenge against the election procedure for the AIADMK general secretary, indicating a shift from his previous stance in December.
In a significant change from his earlier position, OPS, who had previously ruled out unity as long as EPS remained general secretary, has now softened his approach. He clarified that he had not been formally invited to a recent BJP meeting and alleged that the BJP had asked EPS to facilitate his return to the AIADMK, a proposal EPS reportedly declined.
Regarding speculation about AMMK leader T .T. V. Dhinakaran potentially joining the NDA, OPS maintained a neutral stance, stating that such decisions were solely up to Dhinakaran. OPS’ recent statements have sparked discussions in Tamil Nadu’s opposition politics, injecting a new dynamic into the ongoing power struggle within the AIADMK ahead of crucial elections.
