Senior functionary of O Panneerselvam camp meets TTV Dinakaran

Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, who had backed Panneerselvam following his revolt against party chief VK Sasikala in February this year, said he was one of those who was 'fooled' by the 'theatrics' of the former Chief Minister.

"OPS (Panneerselvam) is a bigger actor than (thespian, the late) Sivaji Ganesan. I was one of those who was fooled by his siting in the memorial (of Jayalalithaa) and doing meditation," prior to his revolt, Ilamvazhuthi said.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Dinakaran at his residence here, Ilamvazhuthi said he had soon 'discovered' about Panneerselvam after joining his camp.

Quoting his meeting with the AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary, Ilamvazhuthi said he had told Dinakaran that he was a "strong" man who could strengthen the party.

"In today's context, to strengthen this party, a strong leader is required and you are that leader, that is what I told him," he said.

Former DMK Minister Ilamvazhuthi had joined AIADMK in 2013 in the presence of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.