After PM snub, OPS looks for options
Narendra Modi
on his visit to Tamil Nadu over the weekend, former chief minister
O Panneerselvam
is considering moving out of
NDA
to some place where he may get more respect, if not assembly seats.
Sources told TOI that OPS, facing pressure from his supporters to move out, would consult his advisor Panruti S Ramachandran before taking a decision in a couple of days.
"An alliance with Vijay's TVK is a possibility," said a close OPS aide. "I don't think he will remain in NDA for long, but his legal battle to reclaim
AIADMK
from Edappadi Palaniswami will continue."
OPS had sent a letter to Modi requesting permission to receive and see him off at Tuticorin airport.
In the letter, he sought the "gracious approval" of Modi which would be "deeply valued and remembered with gratitude".
The OPS camp believes that remaining in NDA would further diminish his standing. He had recently said it is regrettable that he wasn't invited during Amit Shah's repeated visits to Tamil Nadu. Shah also visited Chennai to revive the poll tie-up with AIADMK.
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"Even if we get to contest in a few seats in AIADMK-BJP alliance, AIADMK cadres will sabotage the prospects," said a OPS camp member.
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"Continuing here has become untenable."
While some close associates still hope for a possible merger with AIADMK, a majority of OPS supporters feel this is unlikely.
"EPS won't agree and will even quit the alliance if compelled to unite with the OPS group. The enmity is for all of you to see," said an AIADMK leader.
The possibility of OPS and TVK joining hands hinges on an official announcement of severing ties with BJP, as the actor-politician has made his anti-BJP stance clear.
OPS is likely to address media on Wednesday.
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