Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday announced that the AIADMK will be one again, will also adding that the V K Sasikala clan will not be a part of the party.
While the merger talks between the two AIADMK factions are heading towards success, Panneerselvam refused to say anything until a final confirmation is made.
“Soon the talks of the merger will be over and everyone will get the good news. We can't say until then,” he said. OPS added that no member of the Sasikala family will not be a part of the party after the merger.
On Friday, the OPS faction, despite welcoming the probe into Jayalalithaa’s death, also contemplated on seeking the expulsion of jailed AIADMK general secretary Sasikala from the party as the final pre-requisite before going ahead for the merger with the EPS camp.
Panneerselvam had said on Saturday: "There are no differences in the AIADMK and the talks for merger as desired by the people of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK cadre are proceeding smoothly. As early as possible, a good decision will be reached."
On August 18, the two factions were close to a merger and an announcement was expected at the memorial to former Chief Minister J.
Jayalalithaa on the Marina beach but last minute complications delayed the development.
Chief Minister Palaniswami on August 17 announced a judicial probe into the death of Jayalalithaa and converting her residence at Poes Garden into a memorial, paving the way for a merger between the two factions.
However, the other fundamental demand of the Panneerselvam group - expulsion of AIADMK General Secretary and the now jailed V.K. Sasikala and her family from the party - is yet to be fully met.
