In 1st remarks since AIADMK split, EPS labels rebels’ act ‘betrayal’
Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami Thursday condemned the 25 rebel MLAs who defied the party whip and supported the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during the floor test, describing their actions as a “betrayal” driven by personal ambitions.
In his first statement after he formally expelled the 25 rebel leaders, EPS asserted that he has been working to safeguard the AIADMK since it lost power in 2021 and vowed to make any sacrifice to bring it back to power.
“I have been facing various struggles to safeguard this party from the moment the AIADMK lost power in 2021 until today,” read the statement.
He emphasised that his efforts to seat the AIADMK on the ‘throne of governance’ are well known to party workers and people of Tamil Nadu.
“Even after me, for centuries to come, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will function solely for the people,” EPS said, recalling the words of former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa’s. He added that he is ready to fulfil her vision. “Even if AIADMK has currently lost its chance of victory, we will act to restore the AIADMK’s good governance once again.”
EPS said the party secured 47 seats, but some winning MLAs, including former ministers, betrayed the party by voting against the official whip in the floor test held on May 13.
He accused the rebel legislators of giving in to offers of ministerial berths and board chairmanships. “Those who have betrayed the party are accusing me of various slanderous comments. They are spreading news that I am doing politics while sitting in an AC room and that I do not meet the volunteers in person,” EPS said, terming such claims false.
He highlighted his extensive grassroots work, including a campaign tour covering 196 of Tamil Nadu’s 234 assembly constituencies, personal visits to districts during the election campaign, and winning his Edappadi seat with the highest margin in Tamil Nadu.
“I am travelling with the party executives and workers every day with the feeling of being an ordinary worker of this party,” he stated.
The AIADMK leader reiterated that the party had overcome major setbacks in the past, including limited seats in the 1980 Lok Sabha and 1996 assembly polls, and the loss of power after Jayalalithaa’s demise when it still secured 66 seats in 2021.
“It is natural for politics to alternate between victory and defeat,” he noted, urging workers not to be disheartened.
Further, EPS appealed to party administrators, executives, and workers to stand firmly with the AIADMK and stay cautious of “the evil deeds of those who aspire to power” for selfish gains. “I request the AIADMK administrators and fellow AIADMK members to stand as a strong support for the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam,” he said.
He added that he would continue working for the people, and he is prepared for any sacrifice to restore AIADMK’s ‘golden era’ of governance.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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