Amid hectic parleys over a possible re-merger between the two warring AIADMK factions, the O Panneerselvam camp appears to be in mood to relent on its demands put forward as a precondition for talks with the E Palaniswamy faction.
Though Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran have been ‘sidelined’ by the EPS camp, paving way for the possible merger, Panneerselvam today said that he wants to see proof of Sasikala and Dinakaran’s eviction before the former Tamil nadu Chief Minister begins merger talks.
The OPS camp also said that the resignation must come in the form of resignation letters from Sasikala and Dinakaran, who she appointed as her deputy before being jailed for corruption.
“We are demanding the resignations of TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala. If these conditions are met, we will immediately start talks,” said former AIADMK minister Muniswamy.
The OPS camp has also said that the rival faction must inform the Election Commission that Sasikala and Dinakaran do not head the party any longer.
Muniswamy said that they fear that Dinakaran “stepping aside” is a “drama” and will only mean that more members of Sasikala’s family – like her husband and other nephews – will come into the party.
Amid reports that the talks had hit a roadblock with leaders of the two factions insisting on the Chief Minister’s post, the former minister said that they never asked for the post of the CM or party general secretary.
“We never went into this assuming we were heading for elections. But if there are elections, Panneerselvam will definitely win,” said Muniswamy.
Furthermore, the OPS camp has also demanded that Chief Minister E Palaniswamy recommend a CBI probe into the death of former CM Jayalalithaa, who passed away December last year.
Weeks after Jayalalithaa’s death, her long-time companion Sasikala took control of the party and attempted to become the chief minister too. Panneerselvam, who was forced to step down as CM, rebelled, which led to a split in the party.
On Wednesday night, Delhi Police served Dinakaran summons at his Chennai residence over his alleged attempt to bribe Election Commission officials in a case related to the party's frozen poll symbol.
