Chennai: As back channels are said to be active on a possible merger, former education minister and Team OPS’ key strategist ‘MaFoi’ K. Pandiarajan on Monday said the two factions of the ruling AIADMK should unite under former
chief minister O. Panneerselvam.
Speaking to reporters here, Pandiarajan said the OPS camp’s demands for a merger — inquiry into circumstances that led to J. Jayalalithaa's death and ouster of V K Sasikala and her family from the party — still stands.
“I would personally want the AIADMK factions to unite under the leadership of O Panneerselvam. I am of the opinion that he should lead the party,” Pandiarajan said.
Contending that 90 per cent of the cadres are with them, the senior leader said OPS faction is ready to force an election to prove its strength within the party and support of the people.
“Party members are with us. We have been asking the government to hold the local body elections but it is not ready. If needed, we will force an election on them and then prove our strength in the party,” he said.
This is the first time that the OPS team is making it clear that they want the party to unite under him. Pandiarajan also detailed about the efforts being taken by the faction to get “Two Leaves” symbol by submitting memorandums and affidavits from party cadre on the issue. “We are hopeful that we will get the symbol,” he said.
