Panneerselvam takes part in AIADMK meeting where cadres seek Sasikala’s return
India Today
At an AIADMK meeting in Theni in which O Panneerselvam took part, party functionaries made it clear that Sasikala not being in the party was what led to their defeat in the TN urban local body polls. They have sought to bring Sasikala back into the party.
After a below average performance in the Tamil Nadu urban local body elections, several senior AIADMK leaders have been holding meetings in their districts to find out from cadres as to what led to such a loss.
One such important meeting was held at Theni district where O Panneerselvam, the coordinator of AIADMK, participated. District functionaries present there made it clear that it was the Sasikala factor which led to the defeat.
In what could be intolerable to Edapadi K Palanisami, they have sought to accept ‘Chinnamma’ back into the party.
Syed Khan, Theni district secretary, stated that the AIADMK, which is a very big party, has never seen such a defeat. He said that the loss was only due to internal issues.
“We unanimously handed over a resolution to take back Sasikala. We had a similar defeat back when the party split due to the Jaya-Janaki rift. Due to the unfortunate issues that followed Amma’s death. So for the party to flourish again, we have to unite. OPS has said that he’ll look into the matter and a good decision will be taken. This is just the beginning,” stated Syed Khan.
Party sources stated that EPS’ grip has slipped significantly after the urban local body election results where AIADMK contested in 1162 wards and only won 149.
On February 24, while celebrating Jayalalitha’s birthday, Sasikala slammed the AIADMK leadership for the defeat.