AIADMK warring factions in TN lock horns, lay several conditions for merger

In a setback to the merger move between two AIADMK warring factions in Tamil Nadu,  there was 'stringent conditions' being laid from both the sides on Tuesday for the patch up of AIADMK Amma of V K Sasikala camp and the rebel AIADMK camp led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam.
 
Panneerselvam was the first one to welcome the move if someone comes with the idea of "unconditional approchement" between two factions.
 
However, adopting a "strident posture", Panneerselvam said the talks of merger would not arise until AIADMK 'interim' general secretary Sasikala Natarajan and her nephew T T V Dinakaran were ousted from the party.
 
"There is no question of talks until Sasikala and Dinakaran are present in AIADMK", he said adding "a family cannot rule the party".
 
In addition, the rebel leader also asserted the other group should also agree for conducting judicial enquiry into mystery surrounding the death of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
 
Reacting to Panneerselvam's touch stance, several leaders of ruling party said it would be discussed with the senior functionaries before taking any decision.  "Let them first come for talks. We will discuss to set right everything",  School Education Minister, K A Sengottaiyan  said.
 
After late night drama on Monday with regard to the possible merger of two AIADMK groups, AIADMK "Amma" deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, who was out of the city, returned and was briefed about the developments on Tuesday morning.
 
Sengottaiyan also said that Dinakaran evinced interest for a patch up with the rival camp. He said a committee comprising senior leaders have been formed to hold talks with the Panneerselvam camp for uniting both the factions.
 
However, P Vetrivel, a senior leader of the Sasikala camp, took everyone by surprise by saying that Sasikala and Dinakaran would remain for ever in the party. "There is no question of their ouster", he said.
 
Referring to the late night meeting between the senior leaders, Vetrivel wondered how come ministers will discuss without the presence of Dinakaran. "AIADMK Amma camp led by Dinakaran will not bow down before anyone for unnecessary conditions", he said and charged Panneerselvam's of making "unreasonable" demands for the merger.