Chennai, 23 February (H.S.): In a clear indication that O. Panneerselvam (OPS) is no longer welcome in the AIADMK, party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has hinted at shutting the door on the expelled leader's possible return. This comes days after OPS expressed his willingness to rejoin the party fold.
Palaniswami's message to party cadres, ahead of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's 77th birth anniversary, was unequivocal. He asked rhetorically if the wolf and sheep can co-exist and stated that loyalists and traitors cannot stand together. This is seen as a clear reference to OPS, who has been at odds with the party leadership since his expulsion.
OPS had recently said that he, along with TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala, were willing to reunite with the AIADMK without any conditions. However, Palaniswami's statement suggests that the party is not interested in taking him back.
The development comes as the AIADMK prepares for the upcoming Assembly polls, with Palaniswami attacking the ruling DMK government on various issues, including women's safety. The former CM also hailed Jayalalithaa's governance and legacy, highlighting the party's achievements during its 10-year rule in Tamil Nadu
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
