Palaniswami appointed new party leader, OPS is expelled
chennai — In fast paced developments, Sasikala loyalist Edappady K. Palaniswami was on Tuesday elected as Legislature Party Leader following the conviction of the AIADMK general secretary, who sacked rebel leader O. Panneerselvam from the party’s primary membership.
“We have sent a letter staking claim to form Amma’s government,” said Palaniswami.
His election came at an emergency meeting called by Sasikala at a resort here within hours of the Supreme Court upholding a Bengaluru trial court order convicting her
We have sent a letter staking claim to form amma’s government. Edappady K. Palaniswami, AIADMK Legislature Party Leader
in the disproportionate assets case, dealing a body blow to her hopes of becoming the chief minister.
Palaniswami, a known Sasikala loyalist and a five-time MLA, is the party’s strongman from Salem district and currently holds the portfolios of Highways, Public Works and Minor Ports. He was minister in the previous Jayalalithaa-led cabinet also and continued with the same portfolios.
He was retained in 2016, both by Jayalalithaa and later by her successor Panneerselvam, who has since raised a banner of revolt against Sasikala for allegedly forcing him to step down from chief ministership.
Minutes after after the apex court delivered the verdict, Sasikala went into a huddle with her MLAs to decide on the future course of action.
Security has been strengthened across Tamil Nadu after the verdict. — PTI