The AIADMK party's 'historic' general council on Monday unanimously passed 16 resolutions, paving the way for former chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami to take over—this means an end to the dual party leadership system. His bete noire O. Panneerselvam was expelled. This comes after the Madras High Court pronounced its verdict, rejecting a plea by Panneerselvam to stall the meeting which proposes to revive interim general secretary post and abolish coordinator as well as joint-coordinator posts. Both the posts were abolished in the party.
Palaniswami will be the interim general secretary of the party, with an election set to be held in four months.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | A clash-like situation breaks out between supporters of AIADMK leaders E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam near party headquarters ahead of the General Council meeting, today pic.twitter.com/rSW9LsQFJE
— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2022
Ahead of the verdict, clashes broke out between supporters of both factions near party headquarters. Stone pelting was reported, and both sides burnt effigies and banners.
Since last month, the AIADMK has been witnessing serious intra-party wrangling over the issue of single-leadership; Palaniswami has the support of an overwhelming majority and Panneerselvam has been sidelined in the party. It is expected that the AIADMK may soon act against Panneerselvam.
The Madras High Court said on Friday that it would pass order on July 11, by 9am, on a plea against holding the General Council meeting. Panneerselvam was against the meeting and Palaniswami, who is expected to be elected the supreme leader in the GC meeting, was for it.
The party was split almost vertically, with EPS and OPS on either sides. AIADMK senior leader K.P. Munusamy on Saturday alleged that party treasurer O. Panneerselvam sided with the ruling DMK and asserted that it is not possible to have ties with him. Panneerselvam is siding with the DMK regime and when he lauds the ruling party, it would lead to separation, Munusamy told reporters. "To please Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Panneerselvam recently offered to personally contribute Rs 50 lakh to help Sri Lanka. It was a 'selfish' move since he did not consult top leader Palaniswami on what could be done for that cause on the AIADMK's behalf," he said. Hence, it is not possible to journey together with such a person, Munusamy said.
