‘Decision on alliance with BJP only later': OPS faction keeps options open after Modi meeting

Will the O Panneeerselvam faction of the AIADMK join hands with the BJP? This is a question that has been asked ever since the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister rebelled against Sasikala and walked out of the AIADMK, and the Tamil Nadu government.

Panneerselvam’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday has set off the rumour mills again. On Saturday, a news channel claimed that the OPS faction will indeed join the BJP. 

But Rajya Sabha member Maithreyan, a prominent face of the OPS faction, told TNM that the news was wrong, for now.

“In an interview to a private channel, on a question on whether you will go for an alliance with the BJP for local body elections, Mr O Pannerselvam said that our leaders will meet and take a decision once the local body polls are announced. He did not specify any party. If at all we want to be in an alliance with anyone, all that will be decided later,” Maithreyan told TNM.
 

Meeting with honourable PM Shri @narendramodi ji and discussed various issues on the development of TamilNadu. pic.twitter.com/plmnhI40Xw

— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) May 19, 2017

It is known widely in Tamil Nadu’s political circles that OPS shares an amicable relationship with the PM, and the BJP played a significant role in his rebellion against Sasikala and her family.

An alliance with the OPS faction would help the BJP that is still trying to get its foothold in the state. The meeting also comes at a time when superstar Rajinikanth has hinted at his entry into politics. It has been widely speculated that Rajinikanth may form a party or movement on his own and then extend support to the BJP.

According to OPS's Twitter handle, he demanded a CBI inquiry into Jayalalithaa's death in the meeting with the Prime Minister. He also discussed the NEET issue, drought in Tamil Nadu, and loan waivers for Tamil farmers with Modi.