Palaniswami is AIADMK LP leader, OPS 'expelled'

Soon after V K Sasikala’s conviction by the apex court in a disproportionate assets case, Tamil Nadu PWD minister Edappadi K Palaniswami was elected the new AIADMK legislature party leader. He has staked claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu.

Caretaker Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has been “expelled” from the primary membership of the party.

A resolution electing Palaniswami as the new leader was adopted at an emergency meeting of MLAs chaired by party general secretary Sasikala at the resort where the legislators in her camp were staying.

Just nine days ago, Sasikala herself had been elected to the post to pave her way to becoming the chief minister.

Sasikala, who was camping at the resort, also expelled caretaker chief minister O Panneerselvam and at least 18 other senior leaders and party office-bearers supporting him from the primary membership of the AIADMK, alleging anti-party activities.

The decisions taken by the pro-Sasikala group have not been accepted by the Panneerselvam camp.