CHENNAI: In a significant reversal of his previous position, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) on Saturday renewed his appeal for the unification of all factions within the AIADMK, directly blaming party General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) for the internal crisis.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to party founder M G Ramachandran in Chennai, OPS accused EPS of unilaterally altering the party's bylaws. He claimed the changes, which affect the election process for the general secretary post, violate the principles established by MGR and are the root of the party's current problems.
OPS expressed confidence that he would prevail in the ongoing legal battle concerning the procedure used for the AIADMK general secretary's election.
This marks a clear shift from his stance in December last year. On December 23, OPS had categorically stated there was "no possibility of reunification" as long as EPS remained the general secretary, even saying he felt "ashamed" to utter EPS's name. At the time, he had assured supporters that a new path would emerge in the Tamil month of Thai.
Responding to questions about political alliances, OPS clarified he had not received a formal invitation to a BJP meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also alleged that EPS had rejected a request from the BJP to reinstate him (OPS) into the AIADMK.
On speculation about AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran potentially joining the NDA, OPS said that was a matter for Dhinakaran himself to address.