JOIN USA day after failing to reach a consensus, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK (Amma) leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, and AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) leader O Panneerselvam indicated that a merger is likely on Monday.
“Some differences cropped up during discussions. These differences have now been sorted out through talks and the two groups will merge soon,” said Palaniswami (EPS).
Going a step further, Panneerselvam (OPS) said, “Talks are going on smoothly. We will arrive at a good decision in a day or two”.
Panneerselvam ruled out any differences of opinion within his camp with regard to the merger.
Meanwhile, the T T V Dhinakaran camp has warned of changing the chief minister if the government is not run in a proper manner.
“We made Palaniswami chief minister considering that he will function well. But now it appears he has not been functioning properly,” said Palaniappan, an MLA and Dhinakaran’s supporter.
In another development, 10 MLAs met Dhinakaran at his residence and discussed the developments in the two AIADMK camps.
Downplaying the merger talks, Dhinakaran, who was sidelined by the EPS faction, said the merger would not last long and that it was also not a “setback” for him.
There were also reports that the delay was due to hard bargaining by the two factions.
A source in the Palaniswami camp said the OPS faction tabled a fresh demand, the chief minister’s post, besides seeking two ministerial berths.
A senior party leader from the EPS camp said, “We were ready to offer the deputy chief minister’s post and the party general secretary position to the OPS faction. But they rejected it.”
DH News Service