AIADMK lists all-time high of 16 spokespersons 

This is the first time that the number of spokespersons in the party had touched an all-time high of 16, besides senior AIADMK leaders and Ministers will also interact with media, AIADMK sources said. A statement from AIADMK convenor O Panneerselvam and joint convenor Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that the party spokespersons who were earlier asked not to interact with media or participate in television interactions will now continue their party role, the joint statement said.

According to the party sources only the aforesaid leaders are authorised to participate in television debates and articulate views of the AIADMK in public forums. Interestingly, advocate Sasirekha, who defected from the AMMK the previous day was also appointed as the party spokesperson. Of the 16 spokespersons, seven have law background and nine of them are former legislators.

The seal of AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam was visible in the list since many of his supporters – C Ponnaiyan, JCD Prabhakar, Kovai Selvaraj continued. Former ministers and AIADMK women leaders B Valarmathi and S Gokula Indira also topped the list. Vaigai Chelvan and Nirmala Periasamy were the other prominent faces that featured in the list.

Jawahar Ali, who recently joined the AIADMK from Indian National Muslim League, was also authorised to appear on television debates, sources said. Sources said it was decided not to appoint ministers and MPs as spokespersons.

Marudhu Azhaguraj, the former editor of ‘Namadhu MGR,’ former MLAs K Samarasam, RM Babu Muragvel and AS Maheswari also made to the list.

The appointed spokespersons will propagate the party policies and articulate the party’s stand on several issues in television, print media and on the social media sites, the duo said in a joint statement.

Meanwhile, state ministers and senior minister D Jayakumar will continue to brief the reporters regarding state welfare schemes and issues pertaining to public, AIADMK sources added.