TN elections: EPS firm on non-reinstatement of expelled leaders OPS, Dhinakaran and Sasikala

The rift within the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) intensified as party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami reiterated that he would not reinstate expelled leaders including O Panneerselvam, TTV Dhinakaran and VK Sasikala.

News18 reported that Palaniswami strongly rejected senior leader KA Sengottaiyan’s demand to reinstate those who strayed.

EPS asked party cadres how he could allow the return of leaders whose supporters attacked the AIADMK headquarters in 2022, or those who kidnapped 18 MLAs in an attempt to topple the government in 2017. He was speaking at a party meeting organized to celebrate the 117th birth anniversary of late chief minister CN Annadurai.

EPS meets Amit Shah

On September 16, EPS met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to take action against the DMK over issues of corruption and law and order. The EPS has reportedly demanded acceleration of corruption probes involving the DMK.

The AIADMK leader also warned the BJP against lobbying for the return of the expelled leaders, saying it could harm the NDA alliance.

Senior BJP leaders asked the EPS to focus on strengthening the NDA and announce joint programs for better strategy and coordination. The BJP assured the EPS that he would continue to be its main ministerial face.

He was also asked to reach out to older partners of the NDA alliance, including PMK, which is facing an internal war.