O Panneerselvam faction not coming forward for merger talks: Forest minister

Coimbatore: Forest minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan on Sunday accused the rival O. Panneerselvam camp of not coming forward for merger talks.

"Though the ruling party (AIADMK Amma) has expressed willingness for coming together of the party, the Paneerselvam camp is not ready for talks," Mr Srinivasan, who is also the treasurer of the AIADMK, said.

The minister reiterated that party leaders, elected Sasikala as general secretary and she in turn had appointed him (Srinivasan) as treasurer.  

"According to party regulations and with the consent of banks, we are spending the funds. However, Paneerselvam has filed a complaint stating that there are irregularities in spending," he said.