OPS revives call for AIADMK unity, blames EPS for party's ongoing crisis
Chennai, Jan 17 : In a significant political turnaround, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam (OPS) on Saturday renewed his appeal for the unification of all factions within the AIADMK, while squarely blaming party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) for the prolonged internal turmoil plaguing the party.
Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to AIADMK founder M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) in Chennai, OPS accused EPS of unilaterally amending the party’s bylaws.
According to OPS, the controversial changes, particularly those related to the election process for the post of general secretary, run contrary to the democratic principles laid down by MGR and have become the root cause of the AIADMK's present crisis.
OPS asserted that the alterations were carried out without consensus and undermined the collective leadership culture that once defined the party.
Reiterating his legal challenge, he expressed confidence that he would ultimately succeed in court in the ongoing case questioning the procedure adopted for the election of the AIADMK general secretary. This renewed call for unity marks a clear departure from OPS' strong position taken in December last year.
On December 23, he categorically ruled out any possibility of reunification as long as EPS continued as general secretary.
At the time, OPS had gone so far as to say he felt "ashamed" to even utter EPS' name and assured his supporters that a new political path would emerge in the Tamil month of Thai.
His latest remarks, therefore, signal a notable softening of tone and a strategic recalibration.
Addressing questions on political alignments, OPS clarified that he had not received any formal invitation to attend a recent BJP meeting, addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He further alleged that the BJP had requested EPS to facilitate his (OPS') return to the AIADMK, but claimed that EPS had rejected the proposal.
On speculation surrounding AMMK leader T .T. V. Dhinakaran potentially joining the NDA, OPS maintained a cautious distance, stating that such decisions were entirely for Dhinakaran to make.
OPS' remarks have reignited debate within Tamil Nadu's opposition politics, with his renewed unity call adding a fresh twist to the evolving AIADMK power struggle ahead of crucial electoral battles.
Speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to AIADMK founder M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) in Chennai, OPS accused EPS of unilaterally amending the party’s bylaws.
According to OPS, the controversial changes, particularly those related to the election process for the post of general secretary, run contrary to the democratic principles laid down by MGR and have become the root cause of the AIADMK's present crisis.
OPS asserted that the alterations were carried out without consensus and undermined the collective leadership culture that once defined the party.
Reiterating his legal challenge, he expressed confidence that he would ultimately succeed in court in the ongoing case questioning the procedure adopted for the election of the AIADMK general secretary. This renewed call for unity marks a clear departure from OPS' strong position taken in December last year.
On December 23, he categorically ruled out any possibility of reunification as long as EPS continued as general secretary.
At the time, OPS had gone so far as to say he felt "ashamed" to even utter EPS' name and assured his supporters that a new political path would emerge in the Tamil month of Thai.
His latest remarks, therefore, signal a notable softening of tone and a strategic recalibration.
Addressing questions on political alignments, OPS clarified that he had not received any formal invitation to attend a recent BJP meeting, addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He further alleged that the BJP had requested EPS to facilitate his (OPS') return to the AIADMK, but claimed that EPS had rejected the proposal.
On speculation surrounding AMMK leader T .T. V. Dhinakaran potentially joining the NDA, OPS maintained a cautious distance, stating that such decisions were entirely for Dhinakaran to make.
OPS' remarks have reignited debate within Tamil Nadu's opposition politics, with his renewed unity call adding a fresh twist to the evolving AIADMK power struggle ahead of crucial electoral battles.