OPS fails to meet Defence Minister in New Delhi

The incident also raised questions over a possible tie up between the BJP and the AIADMK just four days after the ruling party in the state supported the BJP government in a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition. Contradicting the claims of Panneerselvam that he had met Nirmala to thank her for the help provided by the army to airlift his brother for admitting him to a hospital for treatment, the Union Minister’s office tweeted, “Appointment was given to Shri V Maitreyan MP Rajya Sabha. Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, Shri O Panneerselvam has not met Smt Nirmala Sitharaman.” 

The refusal also puts to rest speculations that the BJP is trying to unseat Edappadi K Palaniswami through the Income Tax raids and bring Panneerselvam in his place. However, the opposition leaders said the AIADMK leader had gone to Delhi to commence alliance negotiations after building bridges with the saffron party through voting for the party in Parliament. CPM state secretary K Balakrishnan, speaking to reporters commented that Panneerselvam had apparently tried to meet Nirmala Sitharaman under the guise of thanking her for the Defence Ministry’s help to his brother. 

However, a BJP functionary said denial of appointment to Panneerselvam did not mean that the saffron party had closed its doors on the AIADMK. He pointed out that appointment had been given to AIADMK MP V Maitreyan, which means she had not refused to meet any AIADMK leader. Besides, Tirupur MP Satyabhama belonging to the AIADMK had met the Defence Minister and this also means that the BJP does not want to snap ties with the AIADMK. Even after the voting, Deputy Leader of Lok Sabha M Thambidurai had said it did not mean alliance with the BJP in the Parliament elections.