Chennai: The main opposition AIADMK has announced the expulsion of 11 functionaries from different district units of Salem, Kallakurichi and Thoothukudi from the party.
Sources said some of the expelled members had openly issued statements in support of former interim general secretary of the party V K Sasikala.
A joint statement issued by coordinator O Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami said the party expelled secretary of Salem sub-urban agriculture wing C Selladurai, Thangayur panchayat president in Salem district R Balaji, former Salem district secretary of fishermen wing A L Suresh, Salem district representative of Narasingarpuam municipality Meena Thiyagarajan, 11th division secretary A Thiyagarajan, Kallakurichi district advocate wing deputy secretary K Anand, joint secretary of Kallakurichi district unorganised drivers’ wing K Vengaiyan, Puratchi Thalaivi Peravai (PTP) Thoothukudi north district secretary Rooban K Velavan and Vilathikulam town panchayat PTP secretary R Ponraj.
Sasikala, who is eyeing a political comeback, is planning a State-wide tour to meet her supporters.
Before that, she would visit the memorial of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. In her latest conversation with a supporter, Sasikala is heard saying, ‘Yes, they say the lockdown continues until July 5… So will see until then, post that will see the situation, and then go visit Amma memorial at Marina and then start visiting you all.’
Multiple conversations of Sasikala have surfaced in the last few weeks in which she is heard promising a fresh bid to reclaim AIADMK post its debacle in the Assembly election.
However, the AIADMK leadership has warned party cadres against having any connection with her.