In the first AIADMK General council meeting which was held on Sunday after almost two years, several issues were discussed. The meeting was held to discuss possible changes to party bylaws as well as to strengthen the hold over the party held by O Paneerselvam (coordinator) and Edappadi Palaniswamy (co-coordinator).
One of the biggest resolves made by the party was its decision to ask that the central government release Rs 7,825 crore due to the state of Tamil Nadu under various schemes including the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
It also urged the central government to release the money to be used towards implementing various schemes and projects including the second phase of the metro rail project. The party also wanted the Centre to ensure reservation for students belonging to backward and most backward classes with regards to postgraduate medical course admissions.
The party also decided to request the Centre to implement air and rail connectivity projects which had been announced for the state earlier. It also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for laying the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Madurai.
Further, the AIADMK also requested the central government to ensure equal rights and safety for Tamils in Sri Lanka.
The AIADMK also condemned its principal opposition, the DMK, for the latter’s false campaign against the state government. It also resolved to work together to ensure the victory of its and also of the candidates of its allies in the ensuing local body elections.
With regards to contesting for party posts, the party declared that only individuals who have been in the party for a minimum of five years in succession, were eligible to do so. According to reports, this is being done in an effort to keep V Sasikala or any of her family members or supporters from running for a major position in the party, following her release from Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru.
A total of 23 resolutions were passed during the meeting.
(With IANS inputs)
Source: The News Minute