A Bharat Ratna Demand, Leadership Reminder: Inside EPS-Amit Shah Meet
A Bharat Ratna for freedom fighter and Thevar community icon Pasumpon Muthuramalinga and expedition of corruption cases against the ruling DMK were among the points raised by AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami in a meet with Amit Shah.
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New Delhi:
During a 25-minute meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah this morning, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) presented several key requests, including a Bharat Ratna for freedom fighter and Thevar community icon Pasumpon Muthuramalinga. He also urged expediting corruption investigations against the ruling DMK, particularly regarding the alleged TASMAC liquor scandal, sand mining operations, and drug-related cases.
Sources revealed to NDTV that the primary objective of the meeting was to 'strengthen the National Democratic Alliance' ahead of Tamil Nadu's upcoming Assembly election next year. A crucial element of the discussion involved EPS cautioning against pressuring the AIADMK to readmit expelled members, warning Mr. Shah that such interference would negatively impact their alliance.
EPS, who is currently managing internal dissent following veteran leader KA Sengottaiyan's recent expulsion, reportedly received advice to "make decisions that align with the interests of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance."
The apparent autonomy granted to EPS signals the BJP's commitment to its renewed partnership with the AIADMK, especially amid speculation that the national party is advocating for the return of previously expelled leaders. These include former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), Sasikala, and TTV Dhinakaran, whose reintegration could potentially strengthen the party's cadre and support base before the election.
Mr. Sengottaiyan had previously championed these reconciliation efforts, arguing they were essential for the AIADMK's electoral success.
However, the potential return of these former leaders is viewed as a challenge to EPS's leadership. Last week, Mr. Dhinakaran – who was expelled during the 2017 power struggle following J Jayalalithaa's death – stated he would only rejoin if EPS were removed as the AIADMK-BJP chief ministerial candidate.
Additionally, the BJP's newly appointed Tamil Nadu unit chief, Nainar Nagendran, expressed willingness to negotiate with expelled leaders to facilitate their return.
Mr. Palaniswami has maintained a firm stance against dissenting voices both within and outside the party. On Monday, he accused all three expelled leaders – OPS, Sasikala, and TTV Dhinakaran – of 'betrayal'.
READ | Betrayers Will Be "Isolated": E Palaniswami's Hard Line On Dissidents
"There is no place for those engaging in pointless talk. Anyone who betrays the party will find themselves abandoned... even God will not forgive betrayers. They will be isolated," he declared.
A high-ranking AIADMK leader informed news agency PTI that party members at all levels remain loyal to EPS.
In April, the AIADMK and BJP revived their alliance after previously contesting the 2019 federal and 2021 state elections together without success. Their partnership had dissolved in 2023, partly due to disparaging remarks against AIADMK icons by then-BJP state unit leader K Annamlai.
READ | "Our Alliance Will Win But...": AIADMK Warns BJP Before Tamil Nadu Poll
When the alliance was re-established in April, Amit Shah emphasized that the AIADMK had made no specific demands.
Meanwhile, EPS, accompanied by a small delegation, paid a courtesy visit last night to newly-elected Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, who previously served as the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit chief from 2003 to 2006. Mr. Palaniswami expressed that Radhakrishnan's elevation to Vice President was a significant honor for Tamil Nadu.
With input from agencies
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