OPS brother expelled from AIADMK for meeting Sasikala

Chennai: A day after he called on VK Sasikala, O Raja, AIADMK top leader O Panneerselvam’s (OPS) brother was on Saturday expelled from the party. Raja was removed from the party’s primary membership for violating party discipline and working against the party principles, AIADMK coordinator Pannerselvam and co-coordinator ‘Edappadi’ K Palaniswami (EPS) said in a joint party statement.

When asked on his expulsion from the party, Raja asked, “who are they to expel me?” He claimed that his expulsion is ‘not valid’ adding he has been in the AIADMK since the days of party founder MG Ramachandran.

In a disciplinary action, three other functionaries, also belonging to Theni district were also dismissed. Confidante of late AIADMK matriarch J Jayalalithaa, Sasikala was eased out from the party years ago. Sasikala embarked on a two-day tour of southern Tamil Nadu on March 4 and her supporters have been visiting her. Raja called on her at the temple town of Tiruchendur on Friday and had discussions with her for about 30 minutes.

Asked who is responsible for AIADMK’s defeat in the recently concluded urban civic polls, Raja said, ‘coordinator and joint coordinator,’ his elder brother OPS and EPS respectively. He said ithat to his mind, Sasikala is the party and chief.

On what transpired at the meeting with Sasikala, Raja said he and others requested her to lead the AIADMK adding that she was happy about it. She has spoken about unity was stood for strengthening the party and welcomed all leaders including OPS and EPS, he said.

Asked if he informed OPS about his meeting with Sasikala, he said ‘why he (OPS) should know? Raja said he did not inform his brother OPS about his meeting with Sasikala and that he met her as a party worker. - PTI.