AIADMK expels OPS, picks EPS as interim chief

Vibha Sharma

New Delhi, July 11

Tamil Nadu’s main Opposition party and BJP’s ally AIADMK today elected Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) as the interim general secretary, vesting in him full powers to helm the organisation and expelled O Panneerselvam (OPS)—the man who stood for late J Jayalalithaa as the Chief Minister twice—accusing him of “being close to DMK leaders and acting against the interests of the party”.

Post clashes, party office sealed

Ahead of the general council meeting in a marriage hall, violence involving the supporters of Palaniswami (EPS) and Panneerselvam (OPS), who are bitter rivals, broke out in and around the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai after which the premises was sealed by authorities. Some people also reportedly sustained injuries.

The AIADMK’s executive committee and general council passed 16 resolutions, including the one scrapping the positions of coordinator and joint coordinator held by OPS and EPS, respectively. The party also expelled OPS supporters R Vaithilingam, PH Manoj Pandian and JCD Prabakar from the primary membership on a day of high drama and violent clashes between supporters of the two sides outside the party headquarters after the Madras High Court refused to stall the meeting.

The party resolved to hold organisational polls in four months to elect the general secretary—the powerful position held by Jayalalithaa for decades. Her close aide VK Sasikala was named the interim general secretary after her death.

After Jayalalithaa’s death, the AIADMK formed a joint leadership with EPS representing the western region and ‘Gounders’, and OPS the southern parts and Thevars to maintain a balance of power and inclusivity. Observers believe the tussle between the two caste groups may have serious implications for the AIADMK and benefit rival DMK.

The BJP, which has been supporting the AIADMK to fulfil its southern dreams, is watching closely.

Calling his expulsion “invalid”, OPS said he would move court.

However, amid the fight for the control of the party, it remains to be seen whether the EPS side, which is perceived to be more powerful than OPS’, remains inclined towards the saffron party.

Apparently, several senior leaders believe the saffron connection is not working well for the AIADMK’s image though Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tried to put an end to the debate over the ‘Hindi imposition’, the “majority” of AIADMK cadres are believed to be against the alliance. The general feeling is that the party should approach the 2024 General Election with a clean slate.

It will be interesting to see the next move of Sasikala, who is believed to be in favour of OPS. Sources say the BJP was in favour of making amends with Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran in the run-up to the Assembly elections. EPS, however, vetoed the proposition. OPS’ perceived softness towards Sasikala is believed to be one of the reasons for the differences between him and EPS.