Tamil Nadu: AIADMK State Conference Underway In Madurai; EPS Hoists Party Flag On 51-Feet Flag Pole

The state conference of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is underway in Madurai.

The conference commenced with the hoisting of the party flag on a 51-feet flag pole by general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) and a helicopter showering flowers from the air.

He then inaugurated an exhibition of the party's achievements over the last 50 years.

EPS is scheduled to deliver his address this evening.

The conference is being seen as a move by EPS to further cement his hold over the party and strengthen it in the southern districts after the expulsion of O Panneerselvam (OPS) and his supporters.

OPS had organised a state conference of his supporters in Tiruchirapalli in April. He also recently joined hands with TTV Dhinakaran of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) to demand swift investigation into the Kodanad estate case. They contend that EPS had a role in the incident.

Dhinakaran is the nephew of VK Sasikala, who OPS had rebelled against after the death of party supremo J Jayalalithaa.