AIADMK’s interim general secretary E Palaniswami (EPS) attacked rival O Panneerselvam (or OPS) on Monday after he was thrown out of the party.
“OPS, in connivance with the DMK government, indulged in violence and snatched party goods from the office,” the EPS said.
“The police did not provide security to the AIADMK headquarters despite the pleas. This is evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation.”
The AIADMK General Council on Monday passed a unanimous resolution expelling Treasurer O Panneerselvam from the primary membership of the party for anti-party activities.
The resolution accused Panneerselvam of favoring the DMK regime and having links with ruling party leaders and working to weaken the AIADMK. The OPS worked against the interests of the party, its goals and principles. He took steps, including contacting the police, to stall the general council meeting to be held on June 23, which he had called jointly with Palaniswami.
“Anyone can be a general secretary,” Palaniswami said, adding that Panneerselvam did not listen to the demands of party workers who wanted a leader. “Senior leaders spoke to the OPS several times,” he said.
The AIADMK alleged that Panneerselvam worked for his selfish reasons. The party expelled Panneerselvam from the post of treasurer and primary membership. It also expelled his supporters, R Vaithilingam, PH Manoj Pandian—both legislators—and former legislator JCD Prabhakar.
Responding to this, Panneerselvam said that he was chosen as the coordinator by “1.5 crore” party workers and neither Palaniswami nor any other leader, KP Munusamy, had the right to expel him. He said that neither the EPS nor any other leader has the right to expel him.
Panneerselvam condemned his expulsion as “unilateral” and against party rules, saying, “I expel him from the primary membership of AIADMK.” Responding to questions from reporters about the further course of action, he said he would approach the courts to seek the support of party workers and secure justice.
“It is not lawful for the General Council to expel me… We will take legal action as per law. They do not have the right to remove me,” the OPS said.
“I have been elected (as party coordinator) by 1.5 crore cadres of our party. We will challenge it in court as per law. I will meet the workers and demand justice.
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