OPS’ choice of words to congratulate BJP on Karnataka polls raises eyebrows

The language used by coordinator of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam in his message of greetings to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on the saffron party’s performance in the Karnataka Assembly elections on Tuesday has caused amusement among certain sections of the ruling party.

In his message, Mr. Panneerselvam not only described the BJP’s performance as a “significant victory”, but also as one which was “bellwethering a grand entry [of the party] to south India.” The question that arose in the minds of some party members was whether the party coordinator wanted the BJP to become stronger in Tamil Nadu.

EPS’ tweet

On the contrary, co-coordinator and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami sounded matter-of-fact, if one were to go by his tweet.

Commenting on Mr. Panneerselvam’s message, a senior party member, considered close to the leader, said it was all right to greet a party on its impressive performance in elections. But, the Deputy Chief Minister should have avoided the phrase “bellwethering a grand entry to south India”, at a time when the AIADMK was being regarded by its adversaries as the ‘B’ team of the BJP.

In fact, to counter this perception, the ruling party in the State, in recent months, took positions on certain matters which were not in tune with those of the BJP. The instant triple talaq bill was a case in point.

However, another leader said the message of greetings should be seen merely as it is. There was no need to attach any motives.