In a statement, state Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu lashed out at the former CM’s critique of the invitation letter, and said, “He (EPS) says many state party leaders have not understood the content of the invitation letter written by the CM for the All Indian Social Justice Federation. Which state leadership is he referring to? Just because he did not understand, does it mean that no one understood (the letter) or is he annoyed that the CM wrote to O Panneerselvam instead of him?” Accusing EPS of joining the reservation-haters, Thennarasu said that he was led to doubt if the former CM was defending the ruling BJP to protect himself from corruption cases.