A few days back the talks of the merger of the two factions of AIADMK was trending on media. It was said that both the factions may merge before 15 Aug, however, nothing of this sought has happened yet.
AIADMK had split into two factions after the demise of former Chief Minister Jayalalitha, one faction led by Edappadi K Palanisamy the incumbent Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and the other led by former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. There was also the speculation that if the merger takes place the existing Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy will remain in office, while former CM O Panneerselvam can become Deputy Chief Minister.
As per the latest updates on the merger talks, leaders of both the parties met today and Panneerselvam said that the merger talks were going on smoothly and a positive result is expected in a day or two. Both the leaders held informal discussions on the merger issue and discussed the future course of action to be taken regarding the merger.
There are no differences within the faction. We will carry forward on the path of MGR & 'Amma': O Panneerselvam on #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/HcizmXJTTa
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
The much-expected merger last night had failed to come off following reported divergent views among the members of the OPS faction. The OPS faction demanded a CBI inquiry into late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s death as against the announcement of an inquiry commission to be headed by a retired High Court judge. There were also reports of hard bargaining on party and cabinet posts by Palaniswami-led AIADMK (Amma) faction and the OPS group.
Meanwhile, TT Dhinakaran who is sidelined by both the faction after recently he was sacked from the post of the Deputy Chief Minister held meeting at his residence with his supporters. He said that the merger would not have any longevity and that it was not a ‘setback’ to him.
Following the possibility of a merger between the two factions, several AIADMK MLAs of both the groups had congregated at the burial chamber of Jayalalithaa at the Marina beach. Two special wreaths were also kept ready apparently to enable Palaniswami and Panneerselvam to offer their respects at the burial site. After it was confirmed that the merger talks were postponed the wreaths were removed and the local public was allowed to visit the burial chamber.
Police personnel was deployed in a large number at the memorial with members of the public who wanted to offer their respects to Jayalalithaa fondly called as “Amma” to keep a check on the large public and maintain the decorum of the place.