Amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Tamil Nadu, it has long been suspected and tacitly accepted that the BJP and PM Modi are pulling strings within the AIADMK to chart the course of the future of TN politics. It is believed that the OPS camp, and now EPS camp, were both backed by the party in power in Delhi. Now, a minister and member of the OPS-EPS camp has openly accepted it.

Speaking at a public event to celebrate MGR’s birthday on Friday, the minister said that the AIADMK two-leaves symbol, which is under dispute now with the Election Commission, will be eventually allotted to the EPS-OPS camp in power now because ‘Modi is on our side and he will take care of everything’.

“Out of 50 (AIADMK) district secretaries, 46 are with us. For 50 MLAs, 46 are here. 98% of the party post holders are here,” he said, and then added nonchalantly, “Beyond all that, Modi is with us,” evoking applause.

“Don’t fear anyone. Even if Obama or Trump comes, we are not afraid because we have Modi. He will see to everything, the man who is ‘up there’ will take care of everything,” he said.

India Today reports that he also made another startling statement - that there were close to 40 MLAs in DMK, who were sleeper cells for AIADMK's Palaniswami faction and would support EPS in the event of a floor test.

Bhalaji had earlier sparked a controversy by asking what was wrong if the AIADMK allied with the BJP.