TN Ministers hold emergency meeting; AIADMK ’merger’ likely

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai,Apr 18 2017(DHNS): Soon after AIADMK rebel leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam favouring the merger between the two warring factions, Tamil Nadu ministers on Monday went into a huddle to discuss about a possible patch up.

In a late night development, more than 20 ministers were present in the meeting, which was held at party senior leader and electricity minister P Thangamani’s official residence in Chennai.

"We were seriously discussing Panneerselvam’s remarks with regard to the merger. All of them welcomed it. It will be discussed further to take forward the matter", finance minister D Jayakumar said soon after emerging out of the late night meeting.

Hinting of a possible merger with Panneerselvam’s camp, the minister said the matter will also be discussed with AIADMK "Amma" deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran after he comes back from Bengaluru.

"Both factions should unite for getting back to party’s "two leaves" symbol", he said adding "we are all one family". He said the party will be strengthen as desired by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

When asked about Panneerselvam’s revolt against jailed V K Sasikala and her family members inccluding Dinakaran taking over the party, Jayakumar said "we have not discussed that in the meeting".

Earlier in the day, Panneerselvam said "talks will be held if someone comes with an idea of merger". He said the revolt is only against jailed V K Sasikala and her family members including Dinakaran taking over the party.

Similarly, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who is in the Sasikala’s camp, too welcomed Panneerselvam’s remarks that he was ready for reconciliation.

"There may be disputes in a democracy. But all of them should remain united by throwing out the differences’’, he said adding "it is important that every one should stay together and fulfill the dreams of late Jayalalithaa".