Chennai: As speculated, AIADMK coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has tightened his reins over the party by sending a strong message to the cadres during the executive committee meeting held at the party headquarters at Royapettah on Thursday.
Setting an example to the cadres for putting party before everything else, Panneerselvam said that if the members desire he was ready to resign from his Cabinet post, if it would help to strengthen the party.
Political observers see this statement as very crucial and an indirect threat to the cadres.
“By making such statement, Panneerselvam has shown that he is ready to do anything to keep the party intact. This will sow fear in those who act against the party as the coordinator has indirectly hinted that he will not hesitate to take action against anyone if needed,” said Umesh, a political observer.
Discussions and strategies to face the Lok Sabha election took the front seat during the meeting. Panneerselvam said that the party must stay strong and come out with a thumping victory which will send a message to the opposition parties.
Party propaganda secretary M Thambi Durai, joint coordinators K P Munusamy and R Vaithiligam and co-coordinator and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami addressed the executive. The meeting took place for close to three hours.
| KEY POINTS |
| 1) Nine resolutions were adopted at the meeting, including the reiteration of the demand for Bharat Ratna title to former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. A new demand to confer the title to former Chief Minister C N Annadurai and Periyar was also made.
2) The executive committee condoled the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Somnath Chatterjee. 3) Panneerselvam said the steering committee which was promised during the merger will happen when time comes. 4) He said decision on alliance will be taken when the dates for the election is announced. 5) Panneerselvam said 1.22 crore joined the party within the first six months of the cadre recruitment. |