In a statement, AIADMK rebel leader O.Panneerselvam has announced the 'expulsion' of 22 prominent leaders from the Palaniswami camp as rebuttal action for expelling him and his supporters.
Among the names mentioned in the statement issued by Panneerselvam were that of Palaniswami and K P Munusamy, both of whom OPS had expelled on July 11. Former minister Munusamy was once a close aide of OPS.
AIADMK interim general secretary Edappadi K.Palaniswami on Thursday expelled O.Panneerselvam's two sons, and his 16 other supporters from the party, prompting a retaliatory action from the rival camp leader who sacked 22 functionaries from the other faction in the capacity of AIADMK 'coordinator.'
Following EPS' action, Panneerselvam's camp demanded that the government intervene to ensure that the official residence of Palaniswami is not used for political purposes.
Ex-ministers and senior leaders Dindigul C.Srinivasan, K.A.Sengkottaiyan, D.Jayakumar, C.Ve.Shanmugam and S.P.Velumani were among those who were 'expelled' by Panneerselvam on Thursday for 'acting against the interests and policies of the party and bringing disrepute to it.'
OPS announced expelling the 22 functionaries in a party statement claiming himself to be the coordinator, a post he was heading prior to the June 23 GC meet of the party. The AIADMK General Council, the party's highest decision-making body, had on Monday elected EPS as its interim General Secretary and expelled Panneerselvam and his supporters.
Meanwhile, just after he was expelled, Panneerslevam supporter Selvaraj wrote to the state Chief Secretary to not allow political meetings in the official bungalow allotted here to Palaniswami, in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition.
While the bungalow should be used as per law for only residential purpose, Palaniswami convened a meeting of AIADMK legislators at his official residence on July 17, he said. In case of violation, action should be taken to initiate eviction proceedings according to law, he added.