AIADMK expels rebel leaders, including Panneerselvam

The decision was taken soon after Supreme Court convicted party's interim General Secretary Sasikala and two others in a wealth case

The interim General Secretary of AIADMK, V.K. Sasikala has expelled 20 leaders including Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, from the primary membership of the party on Tuesday.

The decision came within hours after Supreme Court convicted her and two others in a wealth case.

"The members have been expelled from the party for acting against the party's principles and beliefs, for indulging in anti-party activities as well as behaving against the interest of the party," an official statement in Tamil, signed by Ms. Sasikala read.

The expelled members include Chief Minister Panneerselvam, School Education Minister Ma Foi Pandiarajan, spokesperson Ponnaiyan, former ministers Natham R. Viswanathan, K.P. Munusami, Rajendra Balaji and P. Mohan.

In addition, former MLAs K. Thavasi, K.A. Jayapal, S.K. Selvam, V. Neelakandan and K. Ayyappan have also been expelled.

Puducherry AIADMK leader Om Sakthi Segar and party's presidium chairman Madhusudhanan were already expelled from the party.

The party MPs who supported Mr. Panneerselvam, have however, been spared.

The MLAs who extended their support to the Chief Minister have also been spared.