AIADMK merger takes a U-turn? Dhinakaran's trump cards come in the way
- While Sasikala can start counting her hours in the Tamil Nadu ministry, OPS is relieved to get back a lion's share in the united party.
- He is likely to be bestowed the Deputy CM and the Finance Ministry posts.
- Although, it is yet not clear, who gets what, inside sources also suggest that KA Sengottaiyan will be the PWD minister
FollowTamil Nadu politics may take a new turn today. The rival factions of AIADMK may finally reunite and Amma can rest in peace. Given the political drama going on for weeks after Sasikala's arrest in the disproportionate asset case and Dhinakaran's childish threats evoking the "sleeper cells" in the party, we can finally expect something concrete happening.Â
Having said that, latest updates coming from the EPS faction suggest otherwise. It says that expulsion of Sasikala is difficult since she was elected by the general council. This is why they are agreeing for convening a general council that will decide on Sasikala. There are more reasons to speculate the ousting since they do not want to anger the 20 MLAs who are Dhinakaran's trump cards.
Incidentally, the merger was on the cards for quite some time, but the political circus since Friday had kept everyone on their toes. Now that the Governor is in Chennai, there is some amount of certainty as to what is likely to play forth.Â
The likely scenario of the day
It is likely that EPS will be reaching the party office first and pass a resolution against Sasikala. Once, OPS arrives, the merger will be announced. Â A joint press conference will be held by 12 noon. Once the merger is accomplished, both the leaders, along with party members will visit the Jaya memorial at Marina beach. OPS is likely to take the oath as deputy CM.Â
Confirmed reports suggest the following schedule for O Panneerselvam:
12:30 pm: Likely to start from his residence
1 pm to 2 pm: Party meeting at the headquarters with EPS.
2 pm: A visit to the Jaya memorial
3 pm: Taking oath at the Raj Bhavan.
4 pm: Taking charge at the secretariat
It is being said that OPS will be given the portfolios of Deputy CM and Finance. KA Sengottaiyan will be the PWD minister.
Straight from the party stands, OPS announces the merger between the two warring factions.Â
— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) August 21, 2017
However, no announcement has been made about the positions the leaders will hold in united AIADMK. Â There is no news of Sasikala's expulsion from the party too.Â
