OPS holds meeting with supporters in Theni

Local AIADMK functionaries from Theni, Cumbum, Andipatti, Madurai and Bodinayakannallur have expressed that OPS should control the party as its convenor.

The ward and district level functionaries alleged that the party workers were sidelined by the supporters of ministers in taking up the government contracts and tenders particularly to the local administration, rural development, electricity, tourism and forest departments.

A soft-spoken OPS gave adequate time for the party workers and heard the party workers in person, AIADMK sources confirmed.

Meanwhile, tourism minister Vellamandi Natarajan told reporters in Trichy that the Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has instructed all the cabinet ministers camping in their native districts to return to Chennai by Monday.

According to AIADMK sources, ministers and MLAs who are in their constituencies will be returning to Chennai by Sunday evening.

The party seniors will hold a high-level meeting on Monday ahead of the self-imposed Wednesday deadline to announce the Chief Minister candidate.

Earlier in the day, Srivaikundam AIADMK MLA SP Shanmughanathan who inaugurated the mobile ration shops in his constituency urged the public to vote for the Edappadi K Palaniswami government as the CM is focussed on the public welfare covering the rural and urban areas.

“Vested interests are hoping for the AIADMK to break into factions and in my opinion the AIADMK will not break. These are internal issues of the AIADMK subject to discussions and reconciliations. The differences between two leaders (OPS and EPS) should be amicably sorted out,” said BJP leader Ganesan. “As a well-wisher of the AIADMK, I am hoping for the party to address its issues before the upcoming assembly elections. And if the AIADMK fails to set things in order it will be difficult for the ruling party to form next government,” he added in a cautious note.