Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. File
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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Former Chief Minister and ADMK Workers Rights’ Retrieval Committee coordinator O. Panneerselvam, on Sunday (March 16, 2025), said that All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leaders should shed their ego and reunite to win in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Vaniyambadi town, Mr. Panneerselvam said if there was any intention to bring back AIADMK rule in 2026, then the party leaders should shed their ego and reunite to lead the party to victory. This is the view of people in the State and also that of AIADMK cadres.
“The AIADMK was formed on the strong support of the masses. The party created history by implementing a large number of welfare schemes for all sections of society. Such a political party now remains divided. This should end,” he said.
Asked about the ₹1,000 crore scam in Tasmac unearthed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), he said there was a system during former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s rule when regular revenue generated from Tasmac would contribute to the State’s total revenue generation. In turn, these funds were used to implement several welfare schemes for women and the poor. However, during the DMK rule, Tasmac revenue is being diverted to various sources instead of the government coffers.
Mr. Panneerselvam declined to comment on AIADMK senior leader and former minister S. Sengottaiyan’s differences with the party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. “I have nothing to say on it. Only they can explain the issue,” he said.
Published – March 17, 2025 05:00 am IST
