NEW DELHI: Merger talks between the two factions of the AIADMK have hit a dead end. Former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. It was later revealed that they discussed some long-pending demands of the state with the PM, including “political developments”, and merger negotiations.
The OPS camp also approached the Election Commission and requested it to conduct a separate investigation on allegations over AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran trying to bribe EC officials. The party also wants EC to restrain Dindigul C Sreenivasan from functioning as the party treasurer. Counsel for the Panneerselvam camp submitted fresh documents to the poll panel, against the elevation of VK Sasikala as the interim general secretary of the party. Urging the Election Commission to restrain the Sasikala faction from using the AIADMK office, Panneerselvam also added that until the case is settled between the two camps over the control of the party, AIADMK mouthpiece 'Dr Namadhu MGR' should not remain under the control of Sasikala.
The EC has currently frozen the party's 'Two Leaves' election symbol, stating that neither of the rival camps can use it. The bypoll the RK Nagar assembly seat has since been cancelled following allegations that money was used to buy votes. A fresh date is yet to be announced.
