O. Panneerselvam Vows to Leave Politics if Proven Guilty
Synopsis
In a bold statement, O. Panneerselvam pledges to exit politics if any wrongdoing is proven against him. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the AIADMK, rejecting the formation of a new party, while addressing ongoing tensions within the party.
Key Takeaways
Panneerselvam's Commitment: He vows to resign from politics if proven guilty.
Legacy of AIADMK: He emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the party's legacy.
Criticism of Leadership: He critiques the current leadership for the party's electoral failures.
Respect for Dhinakaran: He maintains respect for AMMK leader but avoids details.
2026 Elections Outlook: He highlights challenges facing AIADMK against the DMK alliance.
Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O. Panneerselvam, announced that he would withdraw from politics if any allegations against him were substantiated. He firmly rejected the notion of creating a new political party under any circumstances.
During a media interaction following his floral tribute to former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on her 78th birthday in Theni, Panneerselvam expressed his dedication to preserving the AIADMK legacy and restoring its unity.
After honoring Jayalalithaa's statue, he addressed the press amid ongoing tensions within the party.
When asked about his rapport with AMMK leader T. T. V. Dhinakaran, Panneerselvam stated he held “great respect” for him but preferred not to discuss further for political reasons.
Regarding future elections, he left the decision to “God’s will.”
Panneerselvam criticized AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, asserting that the dual leadership structure of coordinator and co-coordinator was Palaniswami's initiative.
He explained that he agreed to this setup to avoid a party split. “They now claim my leadership aspirations weakened the party. Would I intentionally do that?” he questioned, emphasizing that his intentions would be evaluated by the people and party members.
Panneerselvam further scrutinized the electoral performance of the Palaniswami-led AIADMK, arguing that the party had been unsuccessful in recent elections.
“The current state and decline of the party stem from his leadership,” he remarked. He reiterated that he and his supporters were engaged in legal efforts to reorganize the AIADMK in alignment with the foundational rules established by M.G. Ramachandran.
He dismissed rumors about personal ambitions, questioning if advocating for party unity constituted a wrongdoing.
“Tell me the mistake I’ve made, and I will leave politics,” he asserted, once again dismissing the idea of forming a separate party.
As for the 2026 Assembly elections, he noted that the DMK alliance was robust and intact, while the fragmented AIADMK faced significant hurdles.
In this context, he suggested that the DMK could potentially regain power.
“After enduring numerous betrayals and carrying a considerable burden, you tell me what position I should adopt,” he concluded.
Point of View
O. Panneerselvam's stance reflects a crucial moment in Tamil Nadu politics. His commitment to the AIADMK's legacy, coupled with his willingness to step aside if proven guilty, could reshape the political landscape in the region, particularly as the 2026 elections approach.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did O. Panneerselvam say about leaving politics?
O. Panneerselvam stated he would resign from politics if any wrongdoing on his part is proven.
Is O. Panneerselvam planning to form a new political party?
No, he firmly ruled out the possibility of forming a separate political party.
What are his views on the current AIADMK leadership?
Panneerselvam criticized the current leadership under Edappadi K. Palaniswami, suggesting it has led to the party's decline.
What is his relationship with T. T. V. Dhinakaran?
Panneerselvam expressed great respect for Dhinakaran but chose not to elaborate on their relationship.
What challenges does AIADMK face ahead of the 2026 elections?
Panneerselvam noted that the divided state of AIADMK presents significant challenges compared to the intact DMK alliance.
