Panneerselvam Criticizes BJP Over Samagra Shiksha Funds Dispute

Quick Summary:

• Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, a coordinator of the ADMK Workers’ Rights Retrieval Committee, criticized the BJP-led central government for withholding ₹2,151.59 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for 2024-25.
• Mr. Panneerselvam cited non-acceptance of certain conditions by Tamil nadu’s state government as an unjust reason for fund delay, calling it against federalism and the Right to Education Act.
• Historically seen as an ally of BJP as his rebellion against AIADMK’s V.K.Sasikala in 2017, Mr. Panneerselvam appears to be sidelined within recent AIADMK-BJP dynamics after their April alliance revival.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah has publicly stated that BJP will not interfere in AIADMK’s internal matters concerning Mr. Panneerselvam.
• During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Tamil Nadu (July 26), no scheduled meeting took place between him and Mr. Panneerselvam, whereas present AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami met with PM Modi at Tiruchi airport.
• Panruti S.Ramachandran-a former minister and advisor-suggests that there is little possibility of reconciliation between O.P.S./BJP due to Edappadi K.’s role in the alliance.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The criticism by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam marks a notable departure from his longstanding alignment with BJP and indicates shifting political alliances ahead of critical electoral periods in Tamil Nadu-particularly amidst renewed AIADMK-BJP partnerships dominated by Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). The withholding of funds under Samagra Shiksha raises questions about cooperative federalism and highlights challenges states face when navigating conditional funding structures set forth by central authorities.

Mr. Panneerselvam’s diminished role within party frameworks is compounded by public statements distancing him from decision-making circles-the implication being a narrowing path toward meaningful political relevance without notable organizational backing from either side.

For Tamil Nadu politics broadly, this progress underscores ongoing rivalries within regional parties that might influence grassroots support bases while also testing how coalition politics unfold ahead of upcoming elections at both state and national levels.

read More: The Hindu