The internal power struggle within the ruling AIADMK (Amma) involving Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and “ousted” deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran is keeping on toes police personnel, who have been providing round-the-clock security for the party headquarters on Avvai Shanmugam Salai in Royapettah. The heightened security has been warranted out of fears that Mr. Dhinakaran’s supporters could enter and occupy the party premises.
The AIADMK headquarters had witnessed a similar situation in January 1988 after party founder M.G. Ramachandran’s death when Jayalalithaa attempted to enter her office room on the premises leading to a police lathicharge.
A senior police officer, who was on duty at the party headquarters on Wednesday, said, “There are too many developments in different groups of the AIADMK. We are here to maintain law and order and pre-empt any violent incidents. During daytime, the place is guarded by a team headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police and comprising Tamil Nadu special police personnel and the local police. During night hours, Inspectors and other police personnel (including women) are on the duty.”
Police and functionaries of AIADMK(Amma) faction-led by Mr.Palaniswami confirmed that the security has been beefed up as Mr. Dhinakaran frequently announced that he would enter the party office.
A veteran leader, who was one of founding members of the party, laughed at the bitter rivalry. “This infighting is the beginning of the end,” he said requesting anonymity.
A senior leader in the AIADMK (PTA) headed by O. Panneerselvam felt that the party office neither belonged to Mr. Palaniswami or the Sasikala camp. “It should be for the party cadre. Our intention is to retrieve the party in a legitimate way. That is why we have filed a case in the Election Commission of India staking claim to be recognised as the real AIADMK,” he said.