CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised internal detractors on Tuesday. He alleged that some individuals were trying to weaken the party when they had earlier enjoyed power and organisational positions. He, however, stated that they would fail in their attempts.He also urged party functionaries not to lose hope over the party’s political future and dissuaded them against taking extreme steps.“Our leaders Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma will always be with us. Do not be dejected by the party’s current situation. AIADMK has overcome difficult phases in 1988, 1989 and 1996,” Palaniswami said in a letter to party cadres.Recalling that AIADMK had won only four seats in the 1996 assembly polls, he said party supremo J Jayalalithaa had faced betrayal with courage and steered the party back to victory in the following election.Referring to the suicide of party functionary KS Mahendran in Thanjavur district amid the ongoing internal rift, Palaniswami appealed to cadres and functionaries not to resort to such extreme steps.“Our leaders witnessed both victories and defeats. Cadres should not lose heart over defeats,” he said, expressing confidence in the party’s return to power.He assured cadres that the leadership would take all necessary steps to revive the party and sought their continued support.
