Picture : Twitter/ ANI
The fight between ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam and party interim head Edappadi K Palaniswami is now with the Election Commission and banks, with both sides determined to establish their rights.
As per PTI report, While interim General Secretary Palaniswami has apprised the EC about the July 11 General Council meeting and the changes effected, Panneerselvam has written to the poll panel arguing that the proceedings and its decisions were null and void. While Palaniswami was elevated to the present position, Panneerselvam and two of his supporters were expelled in the party’s highest decision-making body.
Panneerselvam has also written to banks stating that he is the AIADMK’s ‘coordinator and treasurer’ and that no transactions could be made without his authorisation, party sources said. The party has various accounts including Fixed Deposits with at least 2 banks.
Palaniswami has written to banks that party veteran and former Minister, Dindigul C Srinivasan is the new AIADMK treasurer. Srinivasan is also the party’s organising secretary and Dindigul (West) district secretary.
Panneerselvam loyalist Vaithilingam told reporters: “Coordinator O Panneerselvam and Joint Coordinator K Palaniswami were elected by primary party members through a single vote as per norms and this cannot be nullified by the General Council. Their tenure is for 5 years. Not a single resolution passed in the (July 11) General Council is valid.” Vaithilingam said Panneerselvam continued to be the party’s ‘coordinator’ and ‘treasurer’ and this is the official position as per records with the EC as well, he said adding a letter has been sent to authorities underscoring this aspect. Authorities have been urged not to accept the submissions of Palaniswami group.
Rejecting claims of Palaniswami supporters that it was Panneerselvam’s loyalists who resorted to violence, Vaithilingam said EPS followers were ‘camping’ for 5 days in the locality and violence was unleashed only by them. Palaniswami camp asserted that they would legally face issues that crop up.
V K Sasikala, confidante of late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, who is also trying to wrest control of the party said the current happenings in the party is a big mockery.
Sasikala said that the AIADMK cadres must give a fitting response to EPS for having assumed the office of interim General Secretary in violation of party rules. Sasikala also said that he does not have any authority to expel O Panneerselvam (OPS) when his own post is invalid.
Our AIADMK strong structure has collapsed because of few betrayals and manipulation .AIADMK Gen Council was valid only till Dec 2016. Post that all are just functionary meetings. As long as I’m there, no one can expropriate or destroy AIADMK. I know how to unite the party, VK Sasikala was quoted as saying by ANI
