Supporting Edappadi K. Palaniswami was a mistake of mine: OPS
Tamil Nadu: Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam stated that he committed a grave political error when he extended his support to Edappadi K. Palaniswami, particularly at a time when a no-confidence motion had been moved against the latter.
A consultative meeting regarding the election campaign for the Ambasamudram Assembly constituency—organized by the Tirunelveli West District unit of the DMK—was held on Tuesday in Veeravanallur. The meeting was presided over by the party’s District Secretary, I. Avudayappan. Party Union Secretaries Bharani R. Sekar, P. Jagan, A. Muthupandi (alias Prabhu), M. Muthukrishnan, and V.K. Puram Town Secretary K. Ganesan were in attendance. Executive Committee member A. Prabhakaran delivered the welcome address. Speaking at the meeting, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam remarked: “Despite Tamil Nadu contributing substantial tax revenue, the Central Government has adopted a deceptive stance regarding the allocation of funds to the state. The Central Government’s objective appears to be to exert pressure on the Tamil Nadu government and to tarnish its reputation. Nevertheless, through efficient governance, Tamil Nadu has successfully achieved an economic growth rate of 11.08 percent.”
“When a no-confidence motion was moved against Edappadi K. Palaniswami in the Legislative Assembly, the government survived solely because all 11 MLAs aligned with me extended their support to him. Consequently, he was able to retain the office of Chief Minister. I have, in retrospect, committed a massive political blunder. Edappadi K. Palaniswami has driven the AIADMK into the abyss, pushing it to a critical juncture from which a recovery now appears impossible.”
“Other states are currently lauding the various projects being implemented by the Tamil Nadu government. During his tenure over the past five years, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has executed projects specifically tailored to address the needs of the people. He has initiated schemes that are poised to yield benefits for future generations. Consequently,” he added, “owing to the exemplary projects introduced by the Chief Minister, the people have firmly resolved to bring the DMK back to power.” At the meeting, former MPs Ravindranath and Gopalakrishnan, former MLA Ayyappan, State DMK Environment Team leader Poongothai Aladi Aruna, Alangulam Assembly constituency in-charge K. Veeravanallur, and Town Secretary Subbiah proposed the vote of thanks.
