CHENNAI – In a bold statement amid escalating tensions within Tamil Nadu’s AIADMK, former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has pledged to exit politics entirely if any wrongdoing on his part is substantiated. Speaking to reporters after paying homage to late leader J Jayalalithaa on her 78th birth anniversary, OPS firmly ruled out floating a new political outfit under any circumstances.
Panneerselvam, a key figure in the party’s internal power struggle, emphasized his unwavering commitment to preserving AIADMK’s legacy and restoring its unity. He garlanded Jayalalithaa’s statue before addressing the media, underscoring his loyalty to the party’s founding principles laid down by M.G. Ramachandran.
On queries about his ties with AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran, OPS expressed deep respect but refrained from elaborating, citing political decorum. When asked about future electoral plans, he deferred to divine will, adding intrigue to his political trajectory.
Taking aim at AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, OPS criticized the introduction of coordinator and co-coordinator roles as a divisive tactic to prevent party splits. He questioned accusations that his leadership ambitions weakened the party, urging cadres to judge his intentions.
OPS lambasted Palaniswami’s leadership for AIADMK’s string of electoral defeats, attributing the party’s decline to flawed strategies. He revealed ongoing legal battles to realign the party with Ramachandran’s vision, vowing to fight for its revival.
Dismissing rumors of personal ambitions, OPS challenged critics to pinpoint his errors, reiterating his readiness to bow out. He warned that a fractured AIADMK faces an uphill battle against a united DMK alliance in the 2026 assembly polls, potentially paving the way for the rivals’ return to power.
After enduring multiple betrayals, OPS sought guidance from observers on his next stance, painting a picture of a resilient leader navigating treacherous political waters.