Amma's loyalist Pannerselvam can't be called 'traitor': BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday dismissed the charges put forth by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIADMK) general secretary VK Sasikala that the incumbent Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu O. Pannerselvam is a traitor.

"As she is claiming that O. Pannerselvam is a traitor and I must remind her that it is the same Pannerselvam, who stood with Jayalalithaa twice in her place and when she came back then he stepped down. Such a loyal person cannot be termed as a traitor. She might have difference of opinion with him," BJP leader S. Prakash told ANI.

Terming the present situation in Tamil Nadu as unfortunate, he said, "The weakening of AIADMK fissures are coming out in open. OPS was considered as very loyal and domicile leader and his move is a rude shock to Sasikala."

The BJP leader added that Sasikala who is a novice to politics, should be very careful while speaking to the media.

Dubbing Panneerselvam a "traitor", Sasikala on Wednesday said only time will tell who was backing the acting Chief Minister in his revolt against her.

Panneerselvam was a "traitor who betrayed the AIADMK", Sasikala said.

She also added that he had the support of the DMK, which wants to destroy the AIADMK.