OPS Invites Fury with Swiftly-Deleted Tweet on Possible BJP Tie-Up

OPS faction clarified that it will decide on the tie-up with ‘any party’ after local body poll dates were declared.

After his speech social media exploded with reactions thereafter, most in support of OPS. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Chennai Vision)

A tweet by O Panneerselvam, leader of the Puratchi Thalaivi (Amma) faction of AIADMK, on a possible alliance with BJP after the declaration of civic polls kicked up a storm today.

"We will take a decision on alliance with BJP once local body elections are announced," the tweet from Panneerselvam's Twitter handle @OfficeOfOPS said.

But the tweet was later removed, with the faction clarifying that it will decide on any tie-up with any party only after the local body poll dates were declared.

The development came a day after Panneerselvam called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to discuss the issues concerning Tamil Nadu.

In an apparent attempt at damage control, the media team of the faction clarified that the alliance could be with any party depending upon the situation.

That clarification, however, wasn’t enough to quell criticism. Fuming AIADMK supporters slammed OPS for even thinking about such an alliance. Some took the tweet as a sign of OPS accepting that the BJP was behind the political crisis in the state.

Former chief minister Panneerselvam had revolted against AIADMK chief VK Sasikala in February this year, alleging he was forced to make way for her in the leadership.

(With inputs from PTI.)