Chennai: Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam is expected to join the DMK today. According to reports, he will meet DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the party headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai. It is not yet confirmed whether he will be joining the DMK as a member or entering into an electoral alliance with the party.
Resignation likely before joining
Reports indicate that Panneerselvam has decided to resign from his MLA post. After resigning, he is expected to meet Stalin at Anna Arivalayam. The meeting is likely to take place before Stalin departs for the DMK conference in Coimbatore. It is not yet known whether the meeting will be held at Stalin’s residence or at the party headquarters.
Background of the move
Edappadi Palaniswami had categorically stated recently that there is no possibility of including Panneerselvam in the AIADMK. This statement effectively closed the door on Panneerselvam’s return to his parent party. He had served as Chief Minister three times in the AIADMK before being expelled following a prolonged power struggle with Palaniswami. Panneerselvam’s expected move to the DMK comes ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.