‘I’m ready for reunion': OPS says he is open for AIADMK reunification; EPS rejects re-entry

CHENNAI: Stating that he was “ready” for the reunification of the AIADMK factions, expelled leader O Panneerselvam on Thursday threw a pointed challenge at AMMK’s TTV Dhinakaran and “his beloved brother” Edappadi K Palaniswami, asking whether they were prepared to take the same leap. “I am ready for that. Are they ready?” he asked with a sarcastic edge.

Rejecting any possibility of O Panneerselvam’s return, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday said the party’s general council had unanimously resolved to expel him from its primary membership, leaving no scope for re-induction. Responding to OPS’s renewed appeal, Palaniswami said the decision was taken by more than 2,500 general council members.


“Dhinakaran is insisting on joining hands, and I am also insisting on it. So, he must first speak to his beloved brother (EPS) and press for it. When 2 bitter rivals like Dhinakaran and EPS can close ranks, what stops my reunion (in the AIADMK)? If it happens, it will ensure a massive victory for the party,” OPS told reporters, responding to Dhinakaran’s remark that OPS got the best opportunity to return to the NDA and ensure the re-establishment of the AIADMK regime.

He also sidestepped questions on reported talks with BJP’s Tamil Nadu in-charge Piyush Goyal and a purported 2-seat offer under the AIADMK-led NDA, calling it “parama ragasiyam” (a profound secret).

OPS also ruled out contesting the assembly polls under the banner of the AIADMK Cadres’ Rights Retrieval Kazhagam, saying the committee, later evolved as a Kazhagam, was formed with a single objective: to restore cadres’ rights and the by-laws laid down by founder M G Ramachandran.

“We have been continuing our legal battle for years to achieve this. We have no intention of turning the Kazhagam into a political party,” he said, justifying his decision to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as an Independent under the jackfruit symbol to “test the cadres’ support” for his reunification cause. He added that functionaries from 88 district units who attended the meeting at Periyakulam in Theni “strongly supported” his stand, even though he asked them to submit their views in writing. Most participants were from Theni and Ramanathapuram districts.

Claiming that “everyone knows about the conspiracy” to politically sideline him, OPS alleged that “5 O Panneerselvams from outside the constituency were fielded against me.”

He also accused his former supporters Manoj Pandian and R Vaithilingam, now with the DMK, of triggering the second “Dharmayutham” in Feb 2023. Asked about the possibility of joining actor Vijay’s TVK or the ruling DMK, the former CM dismissed the speculation as “mere rumours” floated by a section of the media. “Don’t you feel sorry for us? Why spread such untruths to build a false narrative?” he asked.