Palaniswami says his party remains ‘united’

AIADMK's Edappadi K. Palaniswami addresses reported differences within party, asserts unity and strength against opposition.

The AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday sought to put to rest the episode of the reported differences of opinion between him and veteran leader and former Minister  K.A. Sengottaiyan.

Replying to a question about Mr. Sengottaiyan’s  absence at a recent meeting of legislators of the party, Mr. Palaniswami asked the reporter: “Why do you want to see us divided?”  He added that “we all remain united. No one can separate us. The moment I became Chief Minister, there were attempts [to cause confusion in the party] which we had foiled. No one can break the AIADMK. No one can demobilise the party.” 

Reacting to Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s remark that the no-trust motion was brought in against Assembly Speaker M. Appavu only to divert the attention of the public from the inner-party problems in the AIADMK, Mr. Palaniswami contended not any one of the points made by his party against the Speaker was disputed. 

On the support extended by former coordinator of the party O. Panneerselvam and his supporters to the motion, the AIADMK general secretary said “perhaps,” the Speaker did not give him [Mr.Panneerselvam] time to speak.  As far as  the Assembly was concerned, members other than those belonging to the ruling party constituted the Opposition, he added.