To be sworn in as TN CM today
Thiru O Panneerselvam (63), a former tea seller and popularly known as OPS, will be the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He was elected leader of the legislature party on Sunday in a meeting of the party legislators held at the AIADMK headquarters.
The election was necessitated after the Bangalore special court sent Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to four-year imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case on Saturday. Following the sentence, Jayalalithaa ceased to be the Chief Minister as well as the Member of the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly.
later in the day, Panneerselvam called on Governor K Rosaiah at Raj Bhavan with the authorisation letter signed by the party MlAs. The swearing-in is scheduled for Monday morning.
For Panneerselvam, considered a close loyalist of Jayalalithaa, this is the second innings as Chief Minister. He was the Chief Minister from September 2001 to March 2002 following a similar situation. In September 2001, the Supreme Court declared as null and void the action of then Tamil Nadu Governor Fatima Beevi appointing Jayalalithaa as CM as she had been convicted in a corruption case. Known for his humility and simplicity, Panneerselvam then filled up the void.
Panneerselvam has a humble background. Born in a farming family at Periyakulam in Theni district, he had a tea-stall in the village. Over the years, the tea-stall graduated into a tea shop which is functioning even now and is managed by close relations. He was the chairman of Periyakulam municipality from 1996 to 2001.
The legislature party meeting was held in a gloomy ambience. Most of the MlAs were seen sobbing uncontrollably. Many of them were heard cursing DMK chief M Karunanidhi. All MlAs were told to be present in Chennai till Monday evening. More than electing the new leader, most of the time was spent discussing how long Amma would be away from the action. A pall of gloom was visible even as Panneerselvam drove down to Raj Bhavan after the meeting.