The boss: EPS clears EC hurdle

CHENNAI: After a long legal battle for the control of AIADMK, Edappadi K Palaniswami, who entered politics at the age of 19, tasted a major victory on Thursday.

The Election Commission of India communicated to EPS that it’s taking into record amended bylaws of the AIADMK and his election as party general secretary, “subject to any further court order or direction”.

The ECI’s further allotted the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol to the party in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. The development is seen as a major setback to deposed AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, as it will do away with the coordinator and joint coordinator posts, the only holding point for OPS and his team.

The ECI communication stated that the amended rules and regulations of the party, ratified by its general council meeting on July 11, 2022, have been taken on record “subject to any further court order/direction”. This would give limitless power to EPS, known for his shrewd political move among his close circle of senior leaders.

“He is a street-smart politician. The ECI’s approval will further embolden him,” said a senior leader of the party from the Western region.

“My primary goal is to ensure that the party is back in power in Tamil Nadu. We will start constituting booth committees for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. We will now be able to function effectively as an Opposition party,” EPS told journalists at party headquarters where party cadres celebrated by bursting crackers and distributing sweets.

OPS camp went on total radio silence since the news broke. They’ve already lost hope in getting favourable orders from the court and said they would seek justice from the people. The OPS team announced that the April 24 conference in Tiruchy will set the tone for their campaign across the State to meet the cadres and public, seeking their support.

AIADMK observers opined that it was a victory for EPS as he inherited single leadership. “However, EPS will have to prove his mettle and win 2024 elections to earn the respect of cadres. It’ll be the real acid test,” said political analyst Tharasu Shyam.