Speculations about the potential return of O Panneerselvam (OPS) to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have been categorically dismissed by Deputy Leader of the Opposition, RB Udhayakumar. In a recent press interaction in Madurai, Udhayakumar stated emphatically that OPS, who is currently serving as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Bodinayakkanur, will never be readmitted to the party.Udhayakumarâs comments come amid rumors that confidential discussions were underway to reintegrate OPS into the AIADMK fold after the 2024 general elections. However, senior AIADMK leaders have been quick to quash these claims, stressing the finality of OPS’s expulsion.
âJust for the sake of retaining his position after the lifetime of J Jayalalithaa, former Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo, OPS was at the forefront of dividing AIADMK. He even extended his support to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which adopted a resolution to dissolve the AIADMK-led government in Tamil Nadu,â Udhayakumar said. Despite what he described as acts of betrayal, Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), the AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister, had previously offered OPS key roles including Deputy Chief Minister and a ministerial portfolio.
Udhayakumar further criticized OPS for abandoning the party’s foundational principles and ideology. “The three-time Chief Minister, Panneerselvam, strayed from the anti-DMK stance that defines AIADMK, a stance created by our founder and former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran,” he asserted.
Recalling a significant event, Udhayakumar mentioned that during an AIADMK general council meeting led by EPS in Chennai, OPS walked out in protest. This incident escalated into violence with OPSâs supporters attacking the party headquarters.
Udhayakumar also took aim at OPSâs actions during the Lok Sabha elections, accusing him of contesting from Ramanathapuram solely to defeat the AIADMK’s âTwo Leavesâ symbol for personal gain. âOPS would go to any extent for the sake of a position,â he concluded.
The AIADMKâs firm stance on OPSâs exclusion underscores the deep divisions within the party and highlights the ongoing struggle for unity and coherence within its ranks.