AIADMK Chief EPS Firmly Shuts Door on OPS's Return Bid
In a decisive move that has sent ripples through Tamil Nadu's political landscape, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has categorically rejected expelled leader O Panneerselvam's (OPS) public appeal for reinduction into the party. The rejection came on Thursday, just hours after OPS made his plea, with EPS asserting that the expulsion was a final decision taken collectively by the AIADMK general council.
Expulsion Was Unanimous Decision, Says EPS
Speaking to reporters at Omalur in Salem, EPS emphasized that the move to expel OPS was not his individual decision but rather the unanimous verdict of the party's general council members. "The expulsion was not my individual decision. It was the unanimous decision of the general council members," EPS stated, making it unequivocally clear that there is no scope for reconsideration. He added that the party would continue to function strictly based on the resolutions passed by its general council, underscoring the institutional nature of the decision.
OPS's Appeal and Call for Intervention
Earlier, OPS had publicly appealed for his return to the AIADMK fold, urging AMMK general secretary T T V Dhinakaran to intervene and persuade EPS to allow his comeback. Speaking to reporters at Theni, OPS argued that if rivals like Dhinakaran and EPS could reconcile, his own reunion should be possible. "When two rivals like Dhinakaran and EPS can close ranks, what stops my reunion in AIADMK? If it happens, it will ensure a massive victory for the party," OPS claimed. He framed his reinduction bid as an effort to strengthen the AIADMK and restore what he termed 'Amma's rule', referring to the legacy of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
EPS Dismisses OPS's Claims, Confident of Victory
However, EPS remained unmoved by OPS's assertions. He dismissed the idea that OPS's return was necessary for the party's success, confidently stating that the AIADMK would form the next government regardless. EPS revealed that talks with a few more political parties are currently underway, although he clarified that there have been no discussions with the DMDK yet. This indicates the AIADMK's ongoing efforts to build alliances ahead of future elections.
Criticism of DMK and Law and Order Concerns
Turning his attention to the ruling DMK, EPS launched a sharp critique of the party and its allies. He pointed to DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi's recent trip to Delhi to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a sign of confusion within the ruling alliance. EPS alleged that the state has descended into lawlessness, citing recent incidents of sexual assaults against women and guest workers on the premises of educational institutions in Chennai. He claimed there is a widespread sentiment among the people that the DMK must be removed from power.
Response to DMK's Criticism
Responding to Kanimozhi's criticism of the AIADMK's poll promises, EPS retorted that the DMK has failed to implement even one-fourth of its own electoral pledges, which were drafted by Kanimozhi herself. This exchange highlights the ongoing political sparring between the two major parties in Tamil Nadu, with each side accusing the other of unfulfilled promises and governance failures.
The firm stance taken by EPS not only reinforces the internal discipline within the AIADMK but also sets the stage for intensified political maneuvering in the state. As the party prepares for upcoming electoral battles, the rejection of OPS's return bid underscores EPS's leadership and the collective decision-making process within the AIADMK, while also reflecting the broader dynamics of Tamil Nadu's competitive political environment.
