Why people of TN believe Mr O Pannerselvam (OPS) is the most trusted leader?

Many people across different socio-economic and educational strata in Tamil Nadu strongly believe that OPS is the most trusted politicians in the contemporary Tamil Nadu politics. People further consider OPS as symbol of honesty from the point of view of his conduct; he never likes to engage in vote bank politics or gimmickry.

The trustworthiness of OPS is quite evident, obvious and conspicuous. To the people of Tamil Nadu, OPS is an open book of speaking his heart out. The trustworthiness of any one can be understood not during your hour of joy and celebration but only during your tyranny and suffering. OPS stood by Amma both during her jubilations and during suffering and endurance.

People often entrust their property or will with their most trusted friend or family member to guard and execute the same when there is any exigency. But in most instances, the receiver of the will or the care-takers of the property claim the ownership and have defeated the trust posed upon them.

If we look at the conduct and character of OPS from such perspective, we can accept the truth that the honesty, conviction and trueness shown by OPS to his leader - Amma, no politician on earth would have displayed.

From nothing, the some become CM and then openly revolted against own father and snatched the party, which we all have seen in the state of UP. The political maneuvering suffered by TDP several decades ago also tells nothing but only the similar truth. The short sufferings of Nitish Kumar in Bihar at the hands of his own chosen CM candidate also tells nothing but how power often makes us think we are the most powerful and hence we should not relinquish power. Some father’s doesn’t want to hand over the mantle of power to own son may be owing to such trust deficit.

On the contrary to all the popular incidents, OPS became more humble and humane with power. He showed same temperament, commitment and the balance both when he has to accept the most powerful post of CM and when he has to bequeath it to his leader. It shows he is more for people and AIADMK and not for power. Today people want him to continue as CM of Tamil Nadu because people believe that OPS can re-write the fortune of several underprivileged people in Tamil Nadu from the chair of CM.

The proven trustworthiness of OPS makes him the most reliable, trusted and honest political leader. Some even believe that his prudence and honesty shall match the late Kamarajar. Like Kamarajar, OPS is also very simple, talk to the conscience of people, true to his values and always wish the governance legacy of Amma to continue.

He knows that, to reach people one has to be simple and true to his own belief system and not by making unnecessary noise at high decibel. No other leader in AIADMK has received such high admirations and reverence of Amma like OPS. According to people, Amma always carried OPS in her heart while other leaders were allowed just to follow her.

No politician in India would prefer to work in the same cabinet as junior minister which he had once headed as CM. But OPS has done it thrice for Amma. This shows his simplicity and honesty to Amma, AIADMK and to the people of Tamil Nadu. In every count, OPS has made the history for right reasons. He has never aspired for position or power but want the state to progress and people to prosper.

OPS is the first and (may be) the only political leader in the contemporary politics has proven his trustworthiness through action and not by words.

Many citizens in Tamil Nadu who do not have any political affiliations have said that if the state has to reform means, people have to elect OPS and OPS alone can make a difference to the state like how Modiji to India.

In fact many apolitical and non political people in Tamil Nadu have started creating awareness in the society in support of OPS. Most of them are sick and tired of all tested political parties and are looking for OPS to make a difference. It is time for all the law makers of AIADMK to re-think as time is still not late to re-trace the paths of Amma and follow OPS, the man heart-fully chosen by Amma to succeed her. Relieve your burden and re-invent the people’s power and wish.

Dr S Ranganathan