NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, SEP 19
A Tamil Nadu Minister compared the understanding of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam with epic Ramayana here on Saturday.
State Revenue Minister R.B. Udhayakumar said that the duo have excellent understanding similar to what was seen between Lord Rama and his younger brother Lakshmana.
He also said that the duo were leading the party with military-like discipline, he told reporters answering a question on Friday’s party meet vis-a-vis claims of differences on some issues between the top two leaders.
Both the leaders have about 1.5 crore cadres bound by love and they were taking along everybody with a motherly affection, he said.
Some news reports on the party meet and alleged differences were aimed at mere sensationalism, Udhayakumar, a Madurai-based party leader said adding, Palaniswami and Panneerselvam ‘have a very good understanding like the one between Rama and Lakshmana and this is the sathyam (truth).’ Taking potshots at the DMK without naming it, he said there were no takers for its initiatives like ‘Ondrinaivom Va,’ whereas young people flocked to the AIADMK.
The ‘Ondrinaivom Va’ is a DMK initiative to help people who are in need of support and assistance duringthe coronavirus pandemic.
The ruling party on Friday took stock of the political developments including the possible release of V K Sasikala from prison in January 2021 and announced convening its executive committee meeting for a consultative process on the strategy for the Assembly polls next year on September 28.
The Minister’s remark comes against the background of reportage in a section of media over alleged differences between Panneerselvam and Palaniswami like the one related to setting up a steering committee to lead the party.
Meanwhile, a social media post doing rounds in Chennai speculating that the two leaders have agreed to work together after a marathon meeting between them lasted till Friday midnight and they have decided to share party responsibilities – party’s General Secretary post for Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami will be the presidium president. To pave way for EPS, the party’s senior leader E. Madhusoodhanan will resign his party post. However, there is no official confirmation or denial come out from the party on this.
