Chennai: Former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam has strongly condemned former minister Kadambur Raju’s recent remarks calling late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s 1999 decision to withdraw support from the BJP-led central government a “historical error.”
In a detailed statement, O. Panneerselvam defended Jayalalithaa's political legacy and termed Kadambur Raju’s comment as both “ignorant” and “deeply disrespectful.”
“Respected Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, carried forward the great movement founded by Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and successfully led the AIADMK — a total of 20 years — after his passing,” said Panneerselvam.
He further highlighted Amma's achievements, including making AIADMK the third largest party in the Lok Sabha.
Responding directly to Kadambur Raju’s accusation, OPS said:
“Calling Amma’s decision to break the BJP alliance a ‘historical blunder’ is not only inaccurate but an insult to her visionary leadership. In 1999, she exited the BJP alliance in the best interest of Tamil Nadu. In 2001, AIADMK returned to power with a massive mandate, and Amma became Chief Minister for the second time. Kadambur Raju’s ignorance of this sequence of events is evident from his speech.”
OPS stressed that the decision was not a mistake, but rather a "historic revolution" that set the stage for AIADMK's resurgence in Tamil Nadu politics.
He reminded that it was Puratchi Thalaivi Amma who elevated Kadambur Raju from an ordinary party worker to an MLA and minister.
“To now turn around and blame her is nothing short of betrayal,” OPS said, quoting the Tamil proverb, ‘The goat raised with care leaps on your chest.’
“It’s ironic to see such ungratefulness from someone nurtured by Amma herself. This is akin to biting the hand that fed you,” he added.
OPS concluded his statement by demanding a public apology from Kadambur Raju:
“Kicking the ladder you climbed up is the ultimate betrayal. If Kadambur Raju does not apologise, the people of Tamil Nadu will give him a fitting reply.”
This statement was issued on behalf of the AIADMK Volunteers Rights Retrieval Committee.