Chennai: Hailing the virtual sacking of TTV Dhinakaran from AIADMK as a victory for his “Dharma Yudham”, former chief minister O. Panneerselvam on Thursday indicated for the first time in five months that the merger of the two factions could be a reality very soon.
Panneerselvam said the Edappadi K Palaniswami has “crossed half way” and that he was hoping for the faction to “complete the journey.” “I welcome the move by the EPS camp of passing resolution against Dhinakaran’s appointment and calling it illegal. They have crossed half way (in our Dharma Yudham) and we are waiting for them to complete the journey. Let’s wait and see what happens,” the former chief minister said.
“Any decision on unification would keep in mind the aspirations and wishes of the cadre. We have been very clear on our demands from day one. We are keenly watching the political situation. Our decision, which will be taken soon, will be reflective of the expectations of the people and the aspirations of the AIADMK supporters,” Panneerselvam told reporters before leaving for New Delhi.
This is the first time that Panneerselvam has spoken positively about the impending merger of the two factions of the AIADMK.
He also said there was no “official communication” on whether he would be meeting Palaniswami in New Delhi on the sidelines of swearing-in ceremony of M Venkaiah Naidu as Vice President.
Senior leader of the OPS faction, KP Munusamy, said the action against Dhinakaran was kind of an “awakening”.
“They have woken up now only. That awakening should not be confined to Dhinakaran and we will laud them if it extends to Sasikala's family also. The rebellion against a man not acceptable to us is the first possible step towards the merger talks. Wait and watch our activities if they expel (Sasikala and all of her family),” he said.
The OPS camp reiterated their demand that a probe should be instituted to go into the death of J. Jayalalithaa and all family members of Sasikala should be expelled from the party.
