As OPS faction stays firm on their demands, stalemate continues over AIADMK merger talks

The stalemate continued over merger talks of the two factions of ruling AIADMK with the group led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami stating that the time was “ripe” for parleys even as the rebel camp remained firm on its demands.

AIADMK (Amma) led by Palaniswami accused the O Panneerselvam faction of “refusing” to come for talks. On the other hand, the AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction maintained that discussions “will happen” only after its demands, including a CBI probe into former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s death, were met. Apparently peeved at the ‘delay’ in commencement of talks, state Finance Minister D Jayakumar told reporters that the time was “ripe for talks.” “But they (Panneerselvam camp) are refusing to come to the table,” he said, adding that the discussions will be “transparent”.

Sticking to their stand for commencement of merger talks, Panneerselvam aide and Rajya Sabha member V Maithreyan reiterated the Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction’s demand for the state government recommending a CBI probe into Jayalalithaa’s death, besides removal of party chief V K Sasikala and members of her family from the party. “Only if these demands are met, the talks will happen. We are clear on that,” he said.
The two groups have …read more