The OPS camp had set two conditions — the expulsion of the rival AIADMK Amma faction general secretary VK Sasikala and her family members from the party and CBI probe into Jayalalithaa's death — to commence the talks with the faction led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami
Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam is all set to embark on a state-wide tour to meet his supporters from May 5 with rival AIADMK faction showing no signs of relenting to his faction's demands on commencing the reunion talks.
The OPS camp had set two conditions — the expulsion of the rival AIADMK Amma faction general secretary VK Sasikala and her family members from the party and CBI probe into Jayalalithaa's death — to commence the talks with the faction led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Though both the camps have expressed desire for a reunion, the formal negotiations are yet to commence. "Panneerselvam will tour the state from May 5 in Kancheepuram seeking a probe into the sudden demise of Jayalalithaa and also to hear the opinion of the cadre on the merger," said a senior leader in the OPS camp. The OPS camp's decision follows the EPS camp collecting signature of its office-bearers on an affidavit expressing support to Sasikala, her nephew TTV Dinakaran, who is deputy general secretary, and Palaniswami who is headquarters secretary.
"On one hand, they are saying they have sidelined Sasikala and her family, while on the other they are collecting affidavits expressing faith in her leadership. We will hold talks only if these two conditions are met," the leader said, adding that a formal announcement would be made very soon.
Meanwhile, Palaniswami who addressed a meeting of his supporters in his native Salem on Sunday, said his government enjoys the support of the majority MLAs and party office-bearers. "If they come for talks, we will welcome them. If not, we are not going to lose anything," he had reportedly told his supporters.
DMK slams BJP
BJP’s contention that it had no role in AIADMK’s squabbles could be accepted only if the Centre took follow-up action against ruling party functionaries who came under income tax raids in the state recently. Listing out the names of those whose premises were searched by tax authorities since the run up to the last year’s polls, DMK leader M K Stalin asked what action had been taken following the raids.
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