AIADMK stalemate continues as O Panneerselvam camp firm on conditions

CHENNAI: The stalemate in the merger talks between the two factions of the AIADMK continued, with the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) insisting on their conditions for talks and the ruling AIADMK (Amma) charging the other group with speaking in different voices. Former minister ‘Mafoi’ K. Pandiarajan of AIADMK (PTA) reiterated that the talks could not begin till the conditions of his group is met. He said Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami should order a CBI probe into the death of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Besides, the family of AIADMK (Amma) general secretary V.K. Sasikala should be ousted from the party.

However, law minister C.Ve. Shamugam said the rival group is speaking in different voices, in an indirect allegation of differences between the leaders of the group headed by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. He said while Panneerselvam is coming out with an opinion one day, former minister K.P. Munusamy is contradicting him. Besides, Pandiarajan too expressing another opinion. “As far we are concerned, we are clear. We want the party to be merged. We are ready even if we are called for talks now. There is no problem in the world that cannot be solved by negotiations. They should come for talks”, he said.

AIADMK MP R. Vaithilingam, who is heading the AIADMK (Amma) committee said “The circumstances are conducive for talks. The negotiations will begin soon. We are waiting for their reply. There will be no split in the party in future”. Adding to the confusion, party spokesperson Nanjil  Sampath claimed that AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran has the support of 87 MLAs and nothing will happen without his consent. He has been arrested on a false case. “Delhi has conspired to prevent his political growth. The removal of Sasikala's poster in the party office is an historical injustice. However, I will be happy if the party merged after talks”.