The merger talks began gaining momentum after Palaniswami agreed to some of the demands put forth by Panneerselvam. The Chief Minister set up an inquiry commission to probe the death of J Jayalalithaa and announced that her Poes Garden residence, Ved Nilayam, would soon be converted into a memorial. However, no decision was taken on the demand of a CBI probe in the late chief minister’s death.
The merger talks that started by today noon.
According to sources, preparations are on for a likely swearing-in ceremony of OPS as Deputy Chief Minister. Two more ministers from his camp are also likely to be sworn-in today at 3.30 pm.
During the meeting, Palaniswami faction had declared the appointment of Dinakaran, as Deputy General Secretary as “improper, unacceptable and invalid”. Dinakaran who is reportedly unhappy with the merger on Friday said he had the support of many more MLAs who are “like sleeper cells” until the time comes to activate them.
T.T.V. Dinakaran, Sasikala’s nephew, however, can be a game changer in the merger and the government ahead in Tamil Nadu. In case Dinakaran gets more than 17 MLAs on his side, the EPS government will become a minority in terms of strength. At present 16 out of 20 MLAs have reached his residence. Sources from both OPS and EPS camps said they feared Dinakaran would topple the government if the merger happened.
The key demand by Paneerselvam camp where they want “formal expulsion” of V K Sasikala and her family members, has not accepted by Paneerselvam.
OPS camp even asked the EPS camp to give a written statement to them stating that V K Sasikala will be sidelined from the functioning of the party.
More updates awaited.
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