Chennai, 10 August (H.S.) : The BJP has extended an olive branch to former AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS), inviting him to meet national general secretary BL Santhosh.
This development comes as a surprise, given the recent tensions between OPS and the BJP leadership. OPS had publicly expressed his disappointment over being denied meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during their recent visits to Tamil Nadu.
According to sources, the BJP high command is keen on OPS meeting Santhosh, who is known for his influential role in the party’s organizational matters. Santhosh’s involvement in state politics, particularly in Karnataka, has been significant, and his meeting with OPS could potentially pave the way for a new alliance. The Maravar community, to which OPS belongs, has a substantial presence in 40 constituencies in southern Tamil Nadu, making him a crucial player in the region’s politics.
The BJP’s outreach to OPS is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu. With OPS’s AIADMK Cadres’ Rights Retrieval Committee having a relatively small vote share of 1%, compared to EPS’s solid 21.4% vote bank, the BJP’s preference for an alliance with EPS’s faction seems evident. However, Santhosh’s meeting with OPS could indicate a desire to explore alternative alliances or strengthen the party’s base in the state.