Panneerselvam side insists that eviction of Sasikala, Dhinakaran and almost 30 other family members from party is essential for merger talks to begin.
After the initial elation in the two factions of the AIADMK at the possibility of a patch-up, the merger issue now faces a stalemate, with the camp led by O. Panneerselvam setting conditions for talks and the AIADMK (Amma), led by Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisami, saying it is willing to participate in merger talks.
A combative AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) camp hardened its stand, insisting that the eviction of V.K. Sasikala, T.T.V. Dhinakaran and almost 30 other family members from the party was essential for merger talks to begin.
The faction also insisted that a CBI inquiry be instituted into the death of Jayalalithaa and that Mr. Palanisami make such a recommendation to the Centre.
Mr. Palanisami’s faction is yet to respond to this demand.
Here are the updates:
Committee formed for talks
AIADMK (Amma) constitutes a seven-member committee under R. Vaithilingam to hold talks with AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) camp. The panel includes Ministers K.A. Sengottaiyan, Dindigul C. Sreenivasan, D. Jayakumar, P. Thangamani, S.P. Velumani, C.Ve. Shanmugam are other members.
Meeting at HQ
Chief Minister Mr. Palanisami and senior ministers meet at AIADMK headquarters for a meeting on Frdiay morning.
AIADMK factions have surrendered before BJP: Stalin
Alleging that both the factions of the AIADMK had surrendered and prostrated themselves before the BJP government at the Centre, DMK working president M.K. Stalin said they were looking at a merger only as a means to escape punishment for their corrupt dealings. Read the full interview here.
Meanwhile, yet another new political party has been floated in the State. This time by the husband of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s niece J. Deepa, Madhavan. Mr. Madhavan launched MGR Jayalalithaa Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MJDMK)
