AIADMK merger: Now it is OPS as TN CM and EPS as party boss

The change in stance by the EPS camp was owing to the vulnerability of the government.

D-In politics one can never say what the final outcome would be. While on Friday there was news that O Panneerselvam would head the AIADMK while E Palanisamy would continue as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, today the picture appears to be different. It is now said that O Paneerselvam would be the next CM while EPS would take the place of general secretary of the party which was held by Sasikala Natarajan currently doing time at the Bengaluru central jail after being convicted in the disproportionate assets case.

Both the factions of the AIADMK are readying for a formal round of talks after they had come to certain conclusions before the final merger takes place. The change in stance by the EPS camp was owing to the vulnerability of the government. It requires just 6 MLAs to revolt in the 122 member government for it to topple.

OPS who is emerging as a strong contender is capable of staging that revolt as he continues to blow the anti-Sasikala bugle.

Here is the possible scenario:

• Palanisami will step down as CM and hand over the post to OPS. Health minister, Vijaybhaskar will be dropped following the IT raids at his place that were conducted recently. Senthil Balaji will be inducted into the ministry along with two others.
• Balaji is likely to get the health portfolio which is now held by Vijaybhaskar. It may be recalled that Balaji who was part of Jayalalithaa's cabinet was dropped after he announced himself as the successor.
• A merger announcement is likely by Monday. With the formal round of talks to take place over the next two days, several Sasikala loyalists have started distancing themselves from her.

OneIndia News