Gag order on ruling party leaders stays

CHENNAI: The ruling AIADMK continues to function without an official spokesperson for more than two weeks. In other words, the gag order on AIADMK ministers, office-bearers and functionaries continues.

On November 28, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, in a joint statement, said a new set of spokespersons for AIADMK would be appointed soon and till then, no one should express their views on behalf of the party. However, even after the lapse of a fortnight, the new spokespersons have not been appointed. But, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar and a few others continue to convey the party’s stand on various issues to the media.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam, on Friday issued another joint statement distancing themselves from the views expressed by those claiming to be supporters of AIADMK and those belonging to alliance parties.
 “The AIADMK has not authorised anyone to express the party’s stand on issues. The views expressed by some persons who claim to be supporters and belonging to alliance parties are not party’s views. So far, the new set of spokespersons have not been appointed,” the statement said.

However, they did not clarify when they would appoint the new spokespersons. Sources said the new team may be announced after the results of the by-election to RK Nagar Assembly constituency.