Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK top leader O Paanneerselvam's wife -- Vijayalakshmi -- passed away reportedly after suffering a heart attack at a hospital on Wednesday. She was 63. She was admitted to a hospital here for treatment. Several part functionaries made a visit upon learning about OPS wife's demise.
In a heart-warming gesture among political leaders of Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin, former AIADMK general secretary Sasikala and several DMK leaders met former TN CM from AIADMK O Panneerselvam and expressed their condolence for the loss of Vijayalakshmi.
In a video that emerged from the hospital in Perungudi, ousted AIADMK leader Sasikala met O Panneerselvam -- for the first time post the ‘Dharma Yudha’ -- to express her condolences for the demise of Vijayalakshmi. Sasikala also held the hands of Panneerselvam in the presence of Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami to console the leader. Sasikala and O Panneerselvam both were seen breaking down together and consoling each other over the loss.
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The meet after four years had also led to speculations whether AIADMK will include Sasikala in the party fray. However, even last month, AIADMK categorically said that the party will not accept the entry of Sasikala again.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin along with Minister Duraimurugan, MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian and MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin met O Panneerselvam at the hospital and conveyed their condolences. Despite the differences on party lines, MK Stalin and the other DMK leaders held the hands of O Panneerselvam and tried to console the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister who broke down. Leaders including Vaiko expressed their condolences to the family members of OPS.
The family has decided to perform Vijayalakshmi's final rites in their hometown, Theni.