CHENNAI: Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Friday congratulated chief minister M K Stalin on the completion of the current assembly’s tenure and said the ruling DMK stood a chance of returning to power in the upcoming elections.“Given the prevailing political circumstances and the govt’s achievements over the past five years, DMK has the opportunity to come back to power,” Panneerselvam told reporters. He added that the govt’s accomplishments were “etched in the hearts of the people.” Earlier in the day, he called on the CM at the secretariat to congratulate him. During the day, P Ayyappan, AIADMK MLA from Usilampatti constituency and a supporter of OPS, praised Stalin in the assembly. Ayyappan said Stalin would win the elections “again and again” with the blessings of late AIADMK icons M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa and become CM once more. His remarks drew loud desk-thumping from DMK MLAs. OPS was also present in the assembly at the time.When asked later about Ayyappan’s statement, OPS said, “His words and actions reflect the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu.”
