No announcement on AIADMK merger, EPS-OPS stalemate continues

Dozens of AIADMK supporters had gathered at the Jayalalithaa memorial on Friday evening.

The merger between Edappadi Palanisamy and O Panneerselvam camps of the AIADMK now hangs in the air with uncertainty looming large. No consensus has been arrived at to take the merger forward delaying the announcement. Panneerselvam camp told the media that it was still holding discussions.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting. There will be no press meet today. If there is one tomorrow, we will let you know," a leader from Panneerselvam camp told reporters waiting outside his Greenways residence on Friday evening. The statement came as anti-climax to the much-anticipated merger announcement.

The two factions of the AIADMK were expected to merge on Friday and preparations were on in full swing for the big announcement. However, in a sudden change of events, the announcement was put on hold with Panneerselvam camp stating that discussions were still underway.

Party insiders suggested that disagreements within leaders of either camp delayed the merger possibility. While the Edappadi Palanisamy camp was keen on announcing the merger plan, all is not well within the O Panneerselvam camp. All senior leaders in the Panneerselvam camp have asked to be inducted into the cabinet, a demand that is not acceptable for the Palanisamy camp.

With no announcement on what Panneerselvam's stand is on the merger, the stalemate in Tamil Nadu politics continues. Sources suggested that leaders like Mafoi Pandiarajan from the Panneerselvam camp and Thangamani and Velumani, ministers from the Palanisamy camp caused troubles during discussions on a merger.

Both leaders were to arrive at the Jayalalithaa memorial at 7.30 PM to make the merger announcement on Friday evening. Meetings held by both leaders extended by hours. By about 8.45 PM alert for Chief Minister's convoy was removed, making it certain that there was not going to be any movement. With heavy rains lashing the city, scores of supporters who had gathered at Jayalalithaa memorial and the AIADMK headquarters dispersed is disappointment.

OneIndia News