Merger of AIADMK factions off the cards, OPS dissolves peace committee

A senior functionary in AIADMK's Puratchi Thalaivi camp, led by O Panneerselvam, today met the party's Amma faction leader T T V Dhinakaran, calling him a "strong leader" who could strengthen the party. Parithi Ilamvazhuthi, who had backed Panneerselvam following his revolt against party chief V K Sasikala in February this year, said he was one of those who was 'fooled' by the 'theatrics' of the former Chief Minister.

"OPS (Panneerselvam) is a bigger actor than (thespian, the late) Sivaji Ganesan. I was one of those who was fooled by his sitting in the memorial (of Jayalalithaa) and doing meditation," before his revolt, Ilamvazuthi said. Speaking to reporters after meeting Dhinakaran at his residence here, Ilamvazhuthi said he had soon 'discovered' about Panneerselvam after joining his camp. 

Quoting his meeting with the AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary, Ilamvazhuthi said he had told Dhinakaran that he was a "strong" man who could strengthen the party.  "In today's context, to reinforce this party, a strong leader is required, and you are that leader, that is what I told him," he said. Former DMK Minister Ilamvazhuthi had joined AIADMK in 2013 in the presence of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Merger talks ahead?

Rebel AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today announced dissolving a seven-member panel formed in April to hold merger talks with the rival AIADMK (Amma) faction headed by Chief Minister K Panaliswami. Panneerselvam's announcement at a meeting of party functionaries here came after senior party leaders pressed him for a decision in this regard. A cheer went up from the cadre after he made the announcement, sources in the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) faction said. "He announced that the panel stands dissolved," a source said.

• OPS
• O panneerselvam
• TTV dinakaran
• AIADMK
• Amma