Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, who began Tuesday by shooting out of the blocks, found himself chasing the coattails of a new political foe by the end of the day.
In the morning, his Greenways Road residence was prepared for a public celebration: a large screen was installed outside the gate while inside the premises, there were two LCD television blaring news from Tamil news channels.
News of AIADMK leader Sasikala’s conviction came through close to 10.45 a.m. and the crowd erupted in joy. In the din, comments made by some political analysts on TV that the verdict was as much an indictment of Jayalalithaa as it is an indictment of Sasikala was drowned.
Journalists scaled the walls of the CM’s residence, setting up tripods in anticipation of a public appearance and statement. As they waited, the compound began to fill with people who had travelled from all over the State in solidarity. “Let her go to jail. I have been angry at the way she treated Amma (Jayalalithaa) at the hospital. Those who have eaten salt should drink water,” said Jayaram, a supporter.
Even as the wait for OPS continued – his associates, including C. Ponnaiyan, who had emerged after the news of the conviction – went back into the house after the arrival of K. Pandiarajan.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pandiarajan tweeted, “OK Chinnaraj, MLA from Mettuppalayam (three time MLA), declares support to #OPS Annan! Trickle turns into torrent!” Mettur MLA S. Semmalai had travelled to meet Mr. Panneerselvam even before the conviction, but the torrent the minister predicted would never come.
When OPS finally emerged at 12.45 p.m., it was to the title song of MGR’s Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban : “History will talk of our victory....” By then, he had been expelled from the primary membership of the party.
He made an appeal for peace at a difficult time. “Our rule will continue. We do not need the support of any other party or the Opposition party,” he said reiterating that the spirit of Jayalalithaa guides him.
In a statement, he added, “AIADMK’s members know what they want. MLAs should follow the directions shown by the people who make up the party. This is for the good of the party and the State,” he said. The message, while claiming rightful ownership of AIADMK, was that the party should avoid a split at all costs.
