AIADMK merger stuck in limbo as both factions harden their positions
The two factions of the AIADMK on Thursday stiffened their positions with the Amma faction ruling out leadership change and the O Panneerselvam (OPS) camp demanding the chief ministership, indicating that the merger talks have not yet gotten off the ground.
The OPS group sought written proof that Sasikala and Dinakaran were removed from the primary membership of the AIADMK and proof they withdrew their affidavits before the election.
“Unless this is done, we will not even consider talking with them,” said a senior leader of the OPS camp.
“EK Palaniswamy became the chief minister only with the blessings of Sasikala, and MLAs were kept confined in Kuvathur,” KP Munuswamy, the senior leader of the OPS camp told mediapersons. In popular poll, OPS will be chosen by the people, he said.
OPS is firm on the removal of the Mannargudi mafia and also wants probe into Jayalalithaa’s death. Only after this, the other issues would be discussed, he said.
Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambi Durai, who called on governor C Vidyasagar Rao at Raj Bhavan here, later described his meeting as a courtesy call. But he ruled out leadership change in the government.
Both the sides were firming up committees that will formally begin negotiating merger and work out modalities.
The OPS camp also wants the post of general secretary for its senior leader E Madhusudhanan, who is expected to lead the negotiating committee from the former chief minister’s side. Former education minister M Foi Pandiarajan, too, is expected to play a crucial role in the merger talks, given the fact that he was the person being talked to by Lok Sabha deputy speaker.
Finance and fisheries minister D Jayakumar called on the governor and briefed him about the latest political developments and the possibility of merger between the two groups.