COIMBATORE: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday ruled out the possibility of admitting expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam in the party.
"OPS was removed from the party's primary membership for 'betraying AIADMK' through a unanimous resolution in the general council. So, there is no chance of his return to the AIADMK," Palaniswami said, in response to a query from the media on OPS publicly declaring his readiness for a unification.
In his first direct attack on TVK leader Vijay, the leader of the opposition blamed him for the Karur tragedy that claimed 41 lives.
"The tragedy happened due to poor planning. Shouldn't he have gone to meet the victim’s families after the incident? He is a good actor, but it's the AIADMK that has ensured good governance. The AIADMK under the leadership of MGR, Jayalalithaa and I had delivered people-centric governance," he said.
Delving further into the issue, Palaniswami said it's only natural for crowds to gather as Vijay is an actor, but one must have experience and maturity to deliver good governance.
On allegations of AIADMK being subservient to BJP, Palaniswami accused the DMK of begging like a slave to Congress by visiting Delhi for alliance. "Still, uncertainty prevails, whether the Congress will continue in the DMK's alliance," he said.
Attacking the DMK for failing to implement promises made during the last assembly polls, the AIADMK leader criticised the DMK of announcing attractive schemes only for publicity. "They announce a scheme, conduct a photo shoot and abandon it," he said.
On the demand for a coalition government raised by Anbumani's faction of PMK, Palaniswami remarked that every party used to pitch for a coalition government to enthuse their cadres. "Anbumani Ramadoss did not discuss any such proposal, but our alliance is clear. Talks are under way with a few more parties, and they are expected to join our alliance soon. Our alliance will win 210 assembly seats," he said.
Alleging irregularities to the tune of Rs 4 lakh crore in various departments, the AIADMK said it had also submitted a complaint in this regard to the Governor.