'Will function as united force': AIADMK factions patch up; Velumani-led rebel MLAs meet party chief Palaniswami

AIADMK factions patched up on Wednesday, with rebel MLAs led by former state minister S P Velumani calling on party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami at his residence and expressing their support for the party leader, a party source said.

About 13 legislators accompanied Velumani. Former state minister C Ve Shanmugam—who, along with Velumani and other legislators, had demanded that the party support the TVK government—was conspicuous by his absence at the meeting.

Shortly after meeting Palaniswami, Velumani—accompanied by former minister Dr C Vijayabaskar, legislators supporting him, and senior leaders including Agri S S Krishnamurthy who support Palaniswami—called on Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J C D Prabhakar and submitted a letter stating that they would function as one party in the Assembly.

"There is no split in the party, only differences of opinion. Some people are criticising us, saying that we went for gaining positions, but we did not go for any posts. We have made our stand clear, and the ruling side has also clarified its position. We are all united. There are no conflicting views. Everyone in the party remains united," Velumani said.

Vijayabaskar withdrew his earlier letter requesting the Speaker to recognise him as party whip.