OPS faction launches fresh demand for merger

The AIADMK rebel group, led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), launched a fresh demand on Monday that there was no question of patch-up of two factions till OPS was made as party's general secretary.

"We will not accept merger unless Panneerselvam is made as party general secretary", OPS loyalist and former education minister Ma Foi Pandiarajan said.

"There is no other way for merger till our demand were met", he added.

Earlier, for the possible merger, OPS faction demanded CBI investigation into the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and side lining of the entire Sasikala family from the party and removal of T T V Dhinakaran.

Meanwhile, Dhinakaran, who had granted time till August four for the merger of two factions, would be visiting the Party Headquarters on August 5 and expected to take some vital decisions.

Dinakaran was also "sidelined" by the ruling AIADMK led by Edappadi K Palaniswami.

Though Dinakaran had initially said he would keep away from the party, Sasikala's nephew reversed his decision and started involving in party activities.