Chennai: A day after reconciling with the rebel MLAs who had been stripped of their party postings, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday instructed party office-bearers not to publish newspaper advertisements listing the MLAs' former positions. The directive applies to the 21 MLAs, including senior functionaries S P Velumani, K P Anbazhagan, P Thangamani, C Ve Shanmugam and Natham Viswanathan. They were removed from party postings for voting in favour of TVK government.
EPS Remains Firm on Party Positions
Edappadi Palaniswami remained firm on not reinstating their party positions immediately, despite their apology for cross-voting and for challenging his leadership. The rebel MLAs had issued a public apology after being stripped of their posts, but the party chief has decided to maintain the status quo for now.
Background of the Conflict
The 21 MLAs were removed from their party postings after they voted in favour of the TVK-led government, going against the AIADMK's official stance. This move was seen as a direct challenge to Palaniswami's leadership, leading to their expulsion from party positions. However, after a reconciliation meeting, the party has taken steps to bring them back into the fold, albeit without immediately restoring their previous roles.
The directive to avoid publishing advertisements listing their former positions is part of the party's efforts to manage the narrative and prevent further internal discord. It also signals that while the MLAs have been forgiven, they must earn back their positions through loyalty and service to the party.
