Karuppasamy quits over Dinakaran’s appointment

The decision could be another shot in the arm for caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam as Karuppasamy is likely to join his camp. 

TTV Dinakaran, who was removed from the party in 2011 by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa for anti-party activities, was re-inducted into the party ranks by AIADMK general secretary, VK Sasikala, and was given the plum post of deputy general secretary. The appointment has drawn flak even from within the party ranks. 

Addressing the media at Tirunelveli, Karuppasamy Pandian claimed that the appointment of Dinakaran as the deputy general secretary was a clear indication that Sasikala and her family members were planning to capture the party which was founded by legendary politician and former chief minister M G Ramachandran. 

Sasikala, along with Dinakaran and Venkatesh, was removed from the party in 2011 for anti-party activities, but was reinstated after she tendered an apology. But, Dinakaran and Venkatesh were not taken back into the party. However, following the death of Jayalalithaa, both have been given key responsibilities with a clear plan to capture the party. 

“Deputy general secretary is the second most powerful post in the party. As general secretary Sasikala will be cooling her heels in prison, Dinakaran will act as the party chief which is totally unacceptable. Apart from that, Panneerselvam did a remarkable job after cyclone Vardah hit the state and during the jallikattu protests. There was no need to remove him from the post of Chief Minister. Hence the resignation,” said Karuppasamy Pandian.

Karuppasamy will decide the next course of action after discussions with his supporters. However, sources close to Karuppasamy claimed that he would be joining the OPS camp soon.