Palanisamy: From local functionary to legislature party leader

Palanisamy began his political career in AIADMK in 1974 as an ordinary party member

From an ordinary party member to the leader of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) legislature party, Edappadi K Palanisamy has come a long way. Amid the bitter turf war between AIADMK general secretary V K Sasikala and acting Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), the 63-year-old loyalist of late J Jayalalithaa was elected leader of AIADMK legislature party to facilitate his elevation as Tamil Nadu chief minister.

“He was an unwavering loyalist of late Jayalalithaa, and chose to side with V K Sasikala after OPS revolted against the interim general secretary,” a close aide of Palanisamy said.

Born into an agricultural