EPS becomes AIADMK general secretary; OPS petition rejected in Madras HC

CHENNAI: The AIADMK on Tuesday announced that former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has been elected as general secretary of the party.
The announcement was made by AIADMK election officials Pollachi V Jayaraman and former minister Natham R Viswanathan at the party headquarters in Royapettah, minutes after the Madras high court dismissed the petitions challenging the resolutions passed at the general council on July 11.
An official release from the party headquarters said Palaniswami was unanimously elected by the party cadre as per party bylaw – Rule 20A (2) -- that mandated the election to the post of general secretary by the primary cadres of the party. Also, as per the Rule 20A (1a, b and c) that mandated the aspirant to the post of general secretary to remain a member of the party for ten years, minimum five years as headquarters functionary, and proposed and seconded by ten district secretaries each.
Palaniswami elected as AIADMK general secretary
Palaniswami expressed wholehearted thanks to the cadre and the functionaries for the election.

“The election officials have announced the results. I have been elected unanimously as general secretary of the party by the cadre,” the former chief minister told reporters.

Supporters burst crackers at the party headquarters and across the state, celebrating Palaniswami becoming general secretary of the party amid legal battle. AIADMK MLAs left the assembly where the budget session was on, upon coming to know that the petitions of expelled leader O Panneerselvam and supporters challenging the resolutions were dismissed by the high court.
Later, Palaniswami took charge as general secretary of the party by signing the papers. He issued a statement announcing the new membership drive from April 5. Renewal of membership will also go on simultaneously. Applications for membership are available at the party headquarters for Rs 10. "The cadre should renew the membership every five years as per party bylaw," Palaniswami said.