The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Edappadi K. Palaniswami, also known as EPS, will continue to lead the AIADMK, the state’s opposition party. This decision is a significant setback for O Panneerselvam, also recognised as OPS.
After taking into account a number of issues involving changes to the party’s rules made at a controversial general council meeting in July, the top court affirmed an order of the Madras High Court. The top court dismissed Mr. Panneerselvam’s petitions.
“It’s a wonderful verdict. Justice has won. Betrayers have been unmasked. OPS’s chapter is over. No more ties with OPS. We will work with increased vigour. Jayalalithaa had said AIADAMK will continue for 100 years after her. Today, the order has made it true,” EPS said.
The verdict is the most recent development in the turmoil brought on by J Jayalalithaa, the matriarch of the AIADMK, passing away in December 2016. Her passing initially catapulted OPS to succeed her and later EPS. Since then, a power struggle within the AIADMK has flared regularly.
Last twist came in September when Madras HC granted EPS’s appeal
The last twist came in September when the Madras High Court granted EPS’s appeal, overturning the party’s decision to expel OPS at the meeting in July and allowing his adversary to lead the faltering opposition party in the second-richest state in the nation.
At the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai, Mr. Palaniswami’s supporters erupted in excitement, setting off firecrackers and pouring milk over a massive cutout of the Salem strongman.
AIADMK leaders called Supreme Court decision as “historic”
D Jayakumar, a senior AIADMK leader and former minister, called the Supreme Court decision as “historic” and claimed that his party represents the protagonists of the ancient epic Mahabharata. He claimed that in the conflict between the “Pandavas” and the “Kauravas,” the former side prevails.
When asked abOPS had criticised the EPS section on Monday, charging them with betraying the party constitution. “After [AIADMK founder] MGRs demise, our leader Jayalalithaa was the permanent general secretary. The one who wants to be party chief should be elected by party cadres only,” he said at an event.
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