OPS camp stands tough in merger talks with Edappadi group

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, Apr 20, 2017 : In a sudden setback to the possible immediate merger of two AIADMK warring factions, rebel group led by former O Panneerselvam camp on Thursday made it clear that talks will be held only if the rival group headed by chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami officially removes jailed V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran from the party.

"First, they (Palaniswami group) should get the resignation letter from them (Sasikala and Dhinakaran). Then, they should officially dismiss them in a party communique", former minister K P Munusamy, who is in Panneerselvam’s camp said.

He also accused finance minister D Jayakumar of not disclosing the name of Sasikala when he announced the ouster of Dhinakaran and his family members from the party on Tuesday night. "Why he did not spell Sasikala’s name while announcing the removal of Dhinakaran from the party", he asked.

Talking touch, Munusamy, on behalf of Panneerselvam, said the rival group should also withdraw the affidavit from the Election Commission, which had endorsed Sasikala as AIADMK general secretary and Dhinakaran as party’s deputy general secretary.

"In addition, the Edappadi government should also send its recommendation to the Centre for a thorough CBI probe into the mysterious death of "Amma" (Jayalalithaa)", he said.

Expressing doubts over the minister’s action against Dhinakaran, Munusamy said: "If they do not accept these two demands, there is no possibility of talks with them".

Though Munusamy said that Panneerselvam is not racing for the chief minister’s post in case of a merger between two groups, the former minister pointed out most of the AIADMK MLAs will opt for Panneerselvam to head the government.

"Even party elections are conducted, the cadres will ask OPS (Panneerselvam) to contest for general secretary post", Munusamy said.

Courtesy:DHNS