Cadre eager to see O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami on same stage

According to the party cadre here, they have been waiting for this moment for the past six months. The appearance of both OPS and EPS for the first time together after the merger would give too many lessons to the common cadre, who have been patiently watching the entire episode being played out soon after the demise of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. 

It is said, once the prominent man in the party as well as the government, Panneerselvam had consented to share the dais with the once back runner- Edappadi K Palaniswami. 

“Edapaddi K Palaniswami was not in the four-member team during the times of Jayalalithaa. But, he was pushed in the front by VK Sasikala after OPS revolted against her. It would definitely be a different experience for OPS to take part as a number two in the party founder’s centenary celebrations. This, however, shows that OPS has shed his ego and joined hands with EPS for good of the party and so the common cadre who had not leaned towards any of the factions in the recent days are definitely excited,” Rajkumar, a local political commentator, said. 

He also pointed out that the first public appearance together would be a great show of strength, as the supporters of both EPS and OPS factions have planned to make it another celebration as the party is almost revived from its bitter position. Supporters of both the factions have planned to celebrate their visit together in a grand manner. 

Meanwhile, the Ariyalur district administration, which had already distributed invitation for the celebrations, had readied fresh invitations with the listing of Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday morning.