Chennai: In a significant development, former chief ministers O Panneerselvam (OPS) and Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), who were embroiled in a bitter legal battle for control of the AIADMK, withdrew all pending cases against each other in the Madras High Court on Thursday.
Cases Dismissed as Withdrawn
Justice K Kumaresh Babu dismissed as withdrawn the pleas filed by DMK MLA O Panneerselvam and his supporters challenging their expulsion from the AIADMK. Similarly, a separate suit filed by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, seeking to restrain Panneerselvam and his faction from interfering in the party's affairs and from using its name, flag, and symbol, was also withdrawn.
Background of the Dispute
On Thursday, when the suits came up for hearing, Panneerselvam's counsel requested the court to permit him to withdraw the suits. In these suits, Panneerselvam had challenged the validity of the AIADMK general council meetings held on June 23, 2022, and July 11, 2022, along with the resolutions adopted in those meetings, including the resolution expelling him from the party.
During the July 11, 2022 meeting, the posts of coordinator and joint coordinator were abolished, and the post of general secretary was created. Palaniswami was subsequently elected as the general secretary of the party. Along with Panneerselvam, the current Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, J C D Prabhakaran, and present DMK MLAs Manoj Pandian and Vaithilingam were also expelled from AIADMK.
Significance of the Withdrawal
The withdrawal of these cases marks a potential thaw in the long-standing rivalry between the two AIADMK factions. Political analysts view this as a step towards unity within the party, which has been divided since the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
Both leaders have now agreed to put their differences aside, paving the way for a consolidated opposition front in Tamil Nadu. The move is expected to strengthen the AIADMK's position ahead of future elections.
