EPS and OPS come together to campaign for Madhusudhanan

CHENNAI: In less than eight months, campaigning in RK Nagar has changed drastically with erstwhile-rivals joining hands for a “common cause.” After reclaiming party name and symbol in a long-drawn battle in the Election Commission, Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam-led AIADMK on Thursday rallied behind party presidium chairman E Madhusudhanan, putting up a show of solidarity and campaigned for the veteran in Korukkupet.The Sasikala camp objected to election officers for allowing the duo to sign the forms for Madhusudhanan.
Much ahead of the opponents, EPS and OPS started electioneering and opened party election office in Tondiarpet. Flanked by ministers D Jayakumar, S P Velumani and K Pandiarajan, they undertook an open van campaign and went through the bylanes of Harinarayanapuram and Ambedkar Nagar on Cochraine Basin Road. “It is a historic election and the one to prove the strength of AIADMK,” the CM said, recalling the contributions of Jayalalithaa. “(DMK leader) Stalin was a mayor for five years, but R K Nagar did not benefit. He was also deputy chief minister and helmed local administration. Did he turn his eyes on R K Nagar? It was only after Amma got elected, the segment got a new lease of life,” the CM said. Palaniswami vouched for Madhusudhanan’s acquaintance of the locality and said Jayalalithaa often called him about the constituency’s needs.
With residents of the area showering petals from balconies, drawing colourful two leaves in front of their houses and setting off fireworks, the leaders crisscrossed the neighbourhood with glee. Paneerselvam, the coordinator of the party, reminded Jayalalithaa’s concerns and her efforts to upgrade the livelihood of economically weaker section. “We have already done enumeration of the beneficiaries here. After the poll, government will build quality houses for the poor,” he said, evoking loud cheers.