AIADMK: EPS Emerges Sole Leader, OPS Expelled From Party
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2022-07-11 10:03:59
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The rift in the AIADMK between former Tamil Nadu chief minister E K Palaniswami and senior leader O Panneerselvam took a decisive turn today when the party held its general council (GC) meeting in Chennai. Earlier, the Madras High Court refused to stop the meeting. EPS took full control and expelled OPS and four of his close supporters from the party with the consent of the majority of general council members.
There was large scale violence between the supporters of the two leaders before the meeting started. At the GC meeting 16 resolutions were adopted which included appointing EPS as the interim general secretary of the party and abolishing the posts of coordinator and joint coordinator. Elections for the post of general secretary will be held in four months. EPS appointed Dindukal Srinivasan as the new treasurer of the party (the post was previously held by OPS).
Today's GC meeting has reaffirmed that an overwhelming majority of the members have approved single leadership and EPS is now in firm control. But on the ground, the clashes showed that the cadre is divided. There is support for OPS on the ground and even though EPS has gained control of the party, further ground levels clashes across the state cannot be ruled out. OPS was late Jayalalitha's trusted lieutenant and his expulsion is likely to divide the party along caste lines.
The rift is also likely to weaken the party in the short term and it remains to be seen whether EPS can consolidate his position and get the support of a majority of the foot soldiers. Then, the behind-the-scenes role of Sasikala will also play a vital role. Despite not being in power now, the AIADMK has a huge role to play in state politics. It has to solve its internal problems fast to challenge the DMK.
