Former AIADMK MLA Kovai Selvaraj quits AIADMK

CHENNAI: Ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam supporter Kovai K Selvaraj lashed out at the former CM and the Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami as “selfish” who are destroying the AIADMK party for their personal political gains and said he is unwilling to continue his political journey with these “betrayers” anymore. He announced that he is quitting the AIADMK party

While OPS camp expressed that Selvaraj’s charges weakened their team, EPS supporters shrugged off the charges and said it would bring no harm to their leader and camp.

Citing Justice A Arumughaswamy commission’s report for his decision, Selvaraj said he strongly believed that OPS was an honest man and defended him. However, the commission’s report changed his mind. Since the report was submitted, he was distressed to remain with OPS.

Several AIADMK functionaries have compromised on the wellbeing of “Amma” (J Jayalalithaa) for a place in the cabinet and postings in the party. They did not take efforts to fly her abroad for better treatment. Neither a proper treatment was given to her here, he said pointing out to the 600 pages report of the panel that was submitted on August 27.

He expressed his unwillingness to be part of the political game of EPS and OPS that would destroy the party and took a potshot on the leaders of both the camps. He announced that he severed his association with OPS and the AIADMK party. He, however, said that he would stick to Dravidian politics to avoid giving fodder to the rumour mills.

Hours after the strongly worded criticism of Selvaraj, OPS issued a statement declaring that the former MLA was removed from the post of Coimbatore Urban district secretary (of his faction).

Rejecting the charges of Selvaraj, V Pugazhendhi said, “I don’t know why he is speaking like this. It was unwanted and I hope he will reconsider his decision. It is good for him.” He further said OPS removed the AIADMK functionary from his responsibility in the afternoon, hinting that the latter reacted to it later in the day.

“Our leader OPS made it clear before the commission that on the 34 day of Amma’s hospitalisation, he insisted then chief secretary and health secretary to take Amma to abroad for treatment,” Pugazhendhi said to defend OPS.

Sources in the OPS camp revealed that the former CM was restless as his supporters dwindled drastically. Selvaraj’s serious charges against OPS had caused further damage as he was already facing a trust deficit among his supporters. It was not an encouraging sign. OPS’s only hope of OPS rests on the Supreme Court’s verdict.

On the other hand, the EPS camp brushed aside Selvaraj’s charges and echoed that it would not bring any harm to their camp. They, in turn, see this development as a positive outcome as their rival camp is being deserted. Within a month or two, OPS would find himself alone.

Earlier in the day, OPS announced new office bearers for various wings for Trichy (urban and rural) districts, Erode and Thiruvallur districts.