Dinakaran out, AIADMK factions fast-track merger
The move toward the merger of the two warring camps of the AIADMK was accelerated on Thursday after Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palanisami declared the appointment of TTV Dinakaran, nephew of VK Sasikala, “improper, unacceptable, and invalid”.
Sources said a merger could happen as early as August 15, ending months of political drama in one of India’s richest states that has seen two chief ministers and numerous rebellions after the death of former CM Jayalalithaa in December last year.
The merger is crucial for the AIADMK to get back its two leaves symbol – that was frozen after the split. Only a united AIADMK can take on the DMK in the approaching local body polls.
The AIADMK’s official release said, “Dinakaran’s appointment was not done as per rules and the recent appointment of office bearers is null and void.” It also noted that Sasikala's appointment as party general secretary is under election commission scrutiny.
Sources said Palanisami will continue as chief minister, and former chief minister O Panneerselvam could be made the ruling party’s general secretary. At least two of his followers may enter the council of ministers.
However, since the issue of Sasikala’s election as general secretary was pending before the Election Commission, a decision on the party post can only be taken later. If the EC rules against her remaining party general secretary, the post could go to OPS.
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