In a decisive statement that clarifies the AIADMK's internal dynamics, party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has unequivocally ruled out any possibility of expelled leaders O. Panneerselvam (OPS) and V.K. Sasikala rejoining the party. The announcement came on Thursday, a day after his crucial meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
A Firm and Final Stand on Expelled Leaders
Speaking to reporters at the Delhi airport, EPS left no room for ambiguity regarding the fate of OPS and Sasikala. He declared there was "no place" for them in the AIADMK, emphasizing that the party's position on this matter was "final and unchanged." He reiterated that he had made this stance clear on multiple occasions in the past and that the AIADMK's stand remains firm.
Palaniswami also addressed speculation about external influence, asserting that Amit Shah would not interfere in the internal affairs of the AIADMK. This statement was seen as reinforcing his authority as the undisputed leader of the party.
Guarded Response on AMMK and Alliance Dynamics
While shutting the door on old rivals, EPS was notably non-committal on the potential integration of T.T.V. Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) into the AIADMK-BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu. When questioned about AMMK becoming part of the NDA, he avoided a direct answer, stating, "There is a lot of speculation. I cannot respond to everything."
He added that any decisions regarding alliances, once finalized, would be officially announced, similar to the process followed when the PMK joined their front. This guarded response has fueled political chatter about a possible realignment, especially after Dhinakaran's recent remarks at an AMMK council meeting. He had suggested that during elections, there was no need to view anyone as an "enemy, traitor, or friend," a noticeable softening from his earlier stance of labeling EPS a traitor.
Meeting with Amit Shah: Focus on State Politics
Dismissing reports that alliance negotiations were the primary agenda, EPS clarified that his late-night meeting with Amit Shah, which lasted over an hour starting from 10:20 PM on Wednesday, was confined to discussions on the prevailing political situation in Tamil Nadu. Although there was speculation about BJP's wishlist for 50 seats in a potential seat-sharing agreement, leaders from both sides remained tight-lipped on the details.
Notably, senior AIADMK leader S.P. Velumani, who was in Delhi, did not accompany EPS to the meeting. Instead, former minister M.R. Vijayabaskar received him at the airport and accompanied him to Shah's residence.
Building a "Victorious Alliance" Against DMK
Looking ahead to the future political battle, EPS described the AIADMK-led NDA as a "victorious alliance" and expressed confidence that more parties would join the front following PMK, with the united aim of ousting the ruling DMK from power.
He also countered Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's allegation that the AIADMK was subservient to the BJP. EPS retorted by asking whether the DMK was also submissive when it had aligned with the BJP in the past. Responding to Stalin's assertion that the 2026 election would decide if Tamil Nadu would be ruled by "Delhi or its own people," EPS asserted that the AIADMK, which heads the NDA in the state, would be the one to rule Tamil Nadu.
