AIADMK merger highlights: TTV Dinakaran and family to be kept away from party, govt, says TN minister D Jayakumar

AIADMK leaders meet TN Governor

Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai called on Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao in Chennai on Thursday.

​Thambidurai later told reporters that it was a courtesy call as he has known Rao for a long time. He said he did not discuss the political situation in the state with Rao.

Tamil Nadu Finance and Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar also met Rao. Jayakumar said: “The meeting was in connection with the selection of Vice Chancellor of a university.”

The meetings come amid efforts within the divided ruling AIADMK to merge. 

IANS

What toned down TTV Dinakaran?

The past few days have been all about set-backs for TTV Dinakaran, who until recently enjoyed a powerful status in the ruling party in Tamil Nadu.

The leader, whose extended family is notoriously called the Mannargudi mafia and is arguably the most influential clan in the southern Indian state, has been having a tough time staying afloat amid legal troubles and a rebelling party.

First, the poll panel repealed the RK Nagar assembly polls as he drew flak for allegedly trying to bribe the voters. Next came the EC bribery case, which essentially triggered a domino effect. An influential faction, led by the chief minister, within his party rebelled against him. And on top of that, an ED court has framed charges against him in a financial irregularity case against him, lodged some 20 years ago.

An alienated, cowed down Dinakaran, however said that he had distanced himself from the party for the betterment of the organization, while he vowed to fight all charges against him legally. He also expressed some doubts about the circumstances under which his party members had rebelled against him.

M Thambidurai calls on TN governor amid hectic political governments

Senior AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai today met Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. However, AIADMK sources remained tight light over the agenda behind the meeting. 

However, according to CNN-News 18, Thambidurai has termed it a courtesy call, adding “No politics to be read into this. I have already said the CM will continue. He is an elected man.”

Dinakaran asked to appear before Delhi Police on Saturday

AIADMK deputy chief Dinakaran has been asked to appear before the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Saturday in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for retrieving the party’s ’two leaves’ symbol. The Delhi Police had last night served summons to him in the case.

PTI

Take a look at AIADMK Twitter timeline

Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswamy removes red beacon from car

But here’s a question: Will he be as willing to relinquish the power it represents for the sake of AIADMK merger?

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami removed red beacon from his car. pic.twitter.com/N9xgG3XsBU

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2017

As OPS, EPS, Dinakaran camps decide on merger plans, this is how media keeps itself busy

Thursday is a rather slow day as far as developments from Tamil Nadu capital was concerned. All the three camps — O Panneerselvam, E Palaniswamy, TTV Dinakaran — remained mum on the future of AIADMK merger. 

However, this one man, clearly an MGR fan, kept the media occupied outside OPS’ residence in Chennai. 

A not a very good #MGR lookalike dances outside #OPS residence. Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment !! pic.twitter.com/IkDAcHu3Jl

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 20, 2017

RECAP: No opposition for me in AIADMK, says Dinakaran

Beleaguered leader TTV Dinakaran on Wednesday said none in the party were against him, asserting that all party MLAs stood behind him.

“There is no opposition to me in the party,” he said, breaking his silence since influential section of Ministers revolted against him last night and decided to keep General Secretary V K Sasikala and him out of the party. According to ‘Jaya Plus’ Tamil TV channel, Dinakaran said a “good decision” will be taken in the interest of the party. 

Party sources indicated that he was expected to appear at the Economic Offences court here later in the day on a case against him for alleged violation of FERA regulations.

Dinakaran questions Delhi Police’s lookout notice

TTV Dinakaran questioned the need for the lookout notice issued by the Delhi Police in a bribery case, saying as his passport “is in court” for 20 years how could he flee the country. “My passport is in court for 20 years. How can I escape from India,” he told reporters. 

He was apparently referring to the pending FERA cases against him in a court here in connection with which he has surrendered his passport.

AIADMK leader, Thambidurai meets Tamil Nadu governor
 

Political commentator TS Sudhir has told Firstpost that a meeting is underway between senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai and theTamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao. Thambidurai had sided with the Sasikala camp at the time of the rift between the two factions and has been batting for E Palaniswamy to continue as the state’s chief minister despite the merger talks. 

More details on this to follow shortly.

TTV Dinakaran skips court appearance in FERA case, given 24 April deadline

Dinakaran, who was scheduled appear for the hearing of a financial irregularities case in court today, did not turn up for the hearing. The court has given a 24th April deadline to Sasikala’s nephew, according to India Today TV.

Meanwhile outside Panneerselvam’s residence…

A man has set up shop outside #OPS residence selling this #AIADMK memorabilia pic.twitter.com/Wyz6WdMwl8

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 20, 2017

Mannargudi Mafia is down but not out in Tamil Nadu

Mannargudi is a small town in Tiruvarur district in the Cauvery delta where Sasikala hails from.

The ‘Mannargudi mafia’ is alleged to have spread out across the government machinery into important positions taking advantage of Sasikala’s proximity to Jayalalithaa. While Panneerselvam’s deft political maneouvre may have trumped Sasikala in power circles, she very much retains control, if only by proxy, on her family’s powerful nexus.

Does merger of AIADMK spells end of rode for Sasikala?

“With Sasikala finding it tough to operate her faction from prison, notwithstanding her nephew Dinakaran, her supremacy is slipping away quickly. What will hasten this slide, perhaps irreversibly, will be Dinakaran’s actual arrest by the Delhi Police. In that event, the Sasikala camp will have an additional headache: Of extracting Dinakaran from this mess – or sacrificing him – and managing the fracas within the party.

How the entire saga will actually unfold remains to be seen, but Panneerselvam has clearly achieved the upper hand in light of his other demand, which is far more intrepid: He wants to replace Palaniswamy as the chief minister, while demoting him to deputy chief minister.”

OPS camp MLAs, MPS to huddle up at Panneerselvam,’s residence today, likely to finalise merger strategy: India Today

With Mannargudi clan out of their way, OPS camp puts forth fresh demands for AIADMK merger

If everyone thought the expulsion of the Sasikala-Dinakaran duo would pave the way for an easy merger, it won’t come as a surprise if talks between the two factions get stuck on who gets what.

According to Times Now, the OPS camp has put forth three new points as to negotiate for power in the AIADMK post the merger.

• Chief ministerial post for OPS
• AIADMK general secretary to be from the OPS camp
• Major OPS loyalists to be accommodated in the Cabinet

Is BJP influencing AIADMK to get rid of Sasikala, Dinakaran?

While it appeared that Palaniswami had blinked first, there was more than what met the eye. By sidelining the aunt and the nephew, the EPS group was washing away the Chinnamma taint that they had acquired by staying on for one week at the Golden Bay Resort in February, backing Sasikala.

The suspicion is that by sacking the duo, Palaniswami is trying to endear himself to the powers-that-be in Delhi. It is not just the Dinakaran camp that has accused the BJP of playing a part in the internal affairs of the AIADMK. Many observers also feel that the invisible pressure from the Centre is what is moving many pieces on the political chessboard in Chennai. It is logical for EPS campers to believe that in the post-Sasikala era, they can be on the right side of the BJP, replacing Panneerselvam.

(Read the whole article here)

Party worker attempts self-immolation protesting police action against Dinakaran

A party worker tried to allegedly set himself ablaze to show his opposition to the police. The self-immolation bid was thwarted by other cadres and some plainclothesmen.

Delhi Police serves summons to Dinakaran

Delhi Police officials at midnight on Wednesday served summons to TTV Dinakaran in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for  retrieving the party’s two leaves symbol.

Dinakaran had, soon after the arrest of Sukesh Chandrasekhar asserted that he will face the matter legally. He had denied any knowledge of Chandrasekhar.

Amid trouble over EC bribery case, ED tightens noose on Dinakaran in another FERA violations case

An economic offences court on Sunday framed charges against AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran in a FERA violation case as the Madras High Court on Wednesday refused  to quash it along with another similar case.

With the framing of charges by the court, Dinakaran now stands formally indicted in the Dipper investment case in which he has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate of transferring $ One crore  illegally. A court frames charges against an accused after it finds sufficient prima facie evidence against  him to put him on formal trial in the case.

The economic offences court is likely to frame charges against him in the second FERA case pertaining to Barclay’s Bank, where Dhinakaran has been charged with transferring 37 lakh Pounds illegally.

Rebellion against me out of fear: Dinakaran

Seeking to avoid any confrontation, Dinakaran said he had “stepped aside” last night itself “in the interest of the party”. He said that he had no issues with the rival camps merging together.

He, however, claimed the rebellion against him was out of “fear”. “They (ministers) might have done this (revolt) due to some fear. Maybe there was some dissatisfaction against me. But I don’t know,” he told reporters.

He was apparently referring to the possible angst in the party following income tax raids at Health Minister C Vijayabaskar’s premises ahead of the assembly bypoll to the RK Nagar seat which was countermanded following allegations of bribing and inducement of voters. Dinakaran was the party’s nominee for the election.

PTI

Sasikala, Dinakaran ouster first victory: Panneerselvam 

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday said the ouster of the rival AIADMK faction’s two leaders was his faction’s first victory in the “dharma yudh”. He was referring to the ruling AIADMK faction’s decision to sideline now jailed general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew and deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran.

Extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my party office-bearers&cadres who've extended their full fledged support to me till now:TTV Dinakaran pic.twitter.com/pCOSeKpMBM

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017

Dinakaran will consult Sasikala before quitting party post 

On quitting the AIADMK party post, TTV Dinakaran said he was appointed by the general secretary (Sasikala), and he has to consult her before taking the final decision. He also indicated Sasikala was not apprised of the developments. “How can someone inside the jail be informed,” he asked. 

Dinakaran also said he had no problems with a possible merger of the factions now headed by Chief Minister K Palaniswamy and his predecessor O Panneerselvam.

When asked if he was being “targeted” by way of Income Tax raids on Health Minister C Vijayabaskar and countermanding of the 12 April RK Nagar bypoll, he said “may be.” 

“They can maximum put me behind bars. If that is my destiny, I will face it and come out,” he added.

PTI

MLAs meet not a show of strength: Dinakaran

Deputy general secretary of AIADMK TTV Dinakaran struck a conciliatory note, saying he had no problem with the merger of rival party factions and felt that the rebellion against him was due to some “fear”.

He also said he has “stepped aside” last night itself in the interest of the party and made it clear that the MLAs meet called by him was not a show of strength.

“They might have done this (revolt) due to some fear. May be there was some dissatisfaction against me. But I don’t know,” he told reporters. 

VK Sasikala’s nephew added that the MLAs’ meeting called by him later today should not be seen as a show of strength. “All MLAs have been asked to come. It is not a show of strength,” he said.

PTI

EPS wants to continue as chief minister

Firstpost has learnt that E Palaniswamy wants to continue as chief minister and is ready to give the post of AIADMK general secretary to O Panneerselvam. Negotiations are currently on.

Stalin says he met Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker and demanded an immediate session

“Today, Tamil Nadu farmers are suffering. They are protesting in Delhi, so we want to convene an assembly session to discuss the issue,” ANI quoted him as saying.

We met TN Speaker and demanded an immediate assembly session, waited to meet CM but he did not meet us: MK Stalin pic.twitter.com/8oxI1VTUog

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017

Dinakaran says he has no problem with the possible merger of AIADMK factions if it benefits the party — PTI

Meeting in AIADMK office called by Dinakaran cancelled

The 3 pm meeting called by Dinakaran has been cancelled.

Both factions will talk to fulfil the aspirations of lakhs of party workers: O Panneerselvam pic.twitter.com/RFB8EYgeQi

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017

Dinakaran says he will never be the reason for a split in AIADMK

“I will never be the reason for a split in the party,” said Dinakaran, as the war of words between the AIADMK factions continued.

“This is our party. Maybe some people have some fears or issues. I wish they came and spoke to me,” he said. “I will speak to them and allay their fears,” he added.

“I’m dedicated to the party and will express this to those who want to send me out,” he also said.

Sasikala had taken over after Amma’s death: Panneerselvam

“(Panneerselvam’s) meeting (with MLAs) was not show of strength,” O Panneerselvam said as he addressed reporters.

“We will act according to the people’s wishes,” he said. “Sasikala’s family had taken over after Amma’s death.”

“The removal of Sasikala’s family is our victory in this dharma yuddhan. The reason for our struggle is going well,” Panneerselvam further said.

I stepped aside in the interest of the party: Dinakaran

“I have stepped aside in the interest of party so question of resigning doesn’t arise,” PTI quoted Dinakaran as saying.

“The revolt against me could have been due to some fears,” he further said. “We will have to consult Sasikala on resigning as she appointed me as Deputy General Secretary.”

I have no regrets because I don't have any expectations: TTV Dinakaran pic.twitter.com/R5oGmqGYkc

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017

Dinakaran loyalist leader directly blames BJP

“We will stick by TTV Dinakaran. We will explain our position as far as numbers go by 3 pm today,” said AIADMK leader Nanjil Sampath. “BJP is behind this conspiracy,” said Sampath, who is known to be a Dinakaran loyalist.

It is significant that BJP is being blamed by AIADMK directly.

Delhi Police issues lookout notice against Dinakaran

Delhi Police has issued a lookout notice against AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, accused of bribing an EC official to get the coveted ’two-leaves’ symbol for his faction.

The action comes in the wake of inputs that Dhinakaran was an NRI and could try to flee, police said.

Praveer Ranjan, Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) confirmed that the lookout notice has been issued and said that it was a preventive action.

Immigration officials have been alerted, police said. — PTI

OPS camp in a huddle

The OPS camp has gone into a huddle, according to TS Sudhir. The faction feels that there is more to this issue than what meets the eye.

A senior #OPS leader who said not to b quoted suspects #TTV hand in Jayakumar announcing their expulsion. Trust deficit btwn EPS & OPS camps

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 19, 2017

According to sources from the party headquarters the venue for MLAs meeting is not yet finalised except for the time of the meeting which is scheduled at 3 pm on Tuesday.

Dinakaran’s MLA numbers dwindling, 3 pm meeting comes under jeopardy

TTV Dinakaran puts up a brave front by saying all his MLAs are with him but it is clear his numbers are dwindling. Only 8 MLAs are on his side. And even the 3 pm AIADMK MLA meeting he has convened could be in jeopardy as finance minister D Jayakumar has said only party secretary E Palaniswamy can convene such a meeting.

Dinakaran might meet Sasikala?

Dinakaran, who is the nephew of former party general secretary VK Sasikala, was also supposed to meet his aunt who is lodged in a Bengaluru jail following her conviction in a disproportionate assets case. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, didn’t take place, according to a report in Economic Times , and there are chances that the duo might meet on Wednesday to try and work out a solution.

Unless there’s extreme instability, Centre will not interfere: Naidu

Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the Centre wanted a stable government in Tamil Nadu and neither it nor the BJP had any role in the present “internal instability” in the ruling AIADMK in that state. “The BJP or the Centre has no role in the internal instability in the AIADMK. The Centre does not interfere in the affairs of the states. We want a stable government in Tamil Nadu for the sake of development,” the Union Urban Development Minister told reporters.

“The people there (Tamil Nadu) had voted for Amma (Jayalalithaa) but unfortunately, she is no more. The party (AIADMK) should resolve its differences for the sake of the people,” he said. Refuting the allegation levelled by the opposition that the BJP-led NDA at the Centre was meddling with the affairs of the states, Naidu asserted that the union government did not interfere “unless in an extreme case scenario”.

“The opposition has developed a habit of blaming everything on the Centre. Any incident that may happen in any remote corner of the country, the opposition blames it on the Centre. But it must be remembered that law-and-order is a state matter and the Centre does not interfere in it,” he said on the sidelines of a meeting here.

“The Centre will not interfere unless in an extreme case,” said Naidu, who was here to review the implementation of schemes in the eight north-eastern states under his ministries — information and broadcasting, urban development and housing and urban poverty alleviation.

Neither BJP nor Central govt has any role or any interest in what is happening in AIADMK in TN; purely their internal matter: Venkaiah Naidu pic.twitter.com/mEL3IdVwl0

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017

Keeping her(Jayalalithaa) memory, as a tribute to her they should stay united & work for the welfare of ppl of TN, that is our wish: V Naidu pic.twitter.com/9zmaRCh99q

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017

Media throngs OPS Chennai home as Delhi police issues lookout notice against Dinakaran

Within minutes after news broke that a lookout notice was issued against Dinakaran by the Delhi police, media gathered outside the residence of the former chief minister which was earlier deserted. 

Image courtesy: Ben Raja.

Gates have been opened for OPS: D Jayakumar

Tamil Nadu finance minister speaks to CNN-News18 and says that the gates have been thrown open to O Panneerselvam. “120 MLAs and all district heads are with us. Only Edappadi Palaniswamy as the general secretary can decide on party affairs. Despite whatever the rival factions might claim, all 120 MLAs and district heads are with us. We will rule as per Amma and MGR’s guidelines,” D Jayakumar told News18.

After being mum on Dinakaran, Sasikala ouster, Thambiduria now says rival AIADMK factions should merge

Mooting a patch-up with the rival AIADMK group led by O Panneerselvam, senior AIADMK leader and deputy speaker in Lok Sabha M Thambidurai said it will be in the party’s interest if both factions merge to take forward the legacy of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha. “We have to take Amma (J Jayalalithaa)’s legacy forward,” Thambidurai said. 

Ruling out any change of Chief Minister in the state for this possible patch up, Thambidurai said people from the opposing faction may be included in the organisation. However, Thambidurai, who had maintained a stoic silence on the ouster of Dinakaran and aunt Sasikala from the party, the senior leader later on Monday said that if Dinakaran interfered in tge party, “we will not like it.” “There is no weakness in the party. We are all united. I am just an ordinary worker of the party but I know that 50 percent vote bank is with us. There is no doubt about it. If Dinakaran can garner support from the party members then he can run the party and we all will cooperate,” Thambidurai said.

RECAP From Yesterday

– On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, Tamil Nadu finance minister, J Jayakumar and eight other ministers from the EPS camp held an impromptu meeting.
– After the meeting, J Jayakumar said that the group had discussed the party’s election symbol issue and O Panneerselvam’s suggestion at merger
– Dinakaran, who had been missing, turns up at his Chennai home. Holds meet with his legal team

20 ministers behind the ouster of Sasikala and Dinakaran

A senior Tamil Nadu minister claimed that twenty ministers within the government had ousted VK Sasikala and her family from the AIADMK ‘unanimously.’ AIADMK leader and an O Panneerselvam loyalist C Ponnaiyan told CNN-News18 that his camp (OPS) believed in a merger in total. “We want the general council to vote Sasikala out,” he said.

Over the past few days, rumours were rife that the two factions – EPS camp and OPS camp – could iron out differences and merge to form a united AIADMK once again.

The BJP’s Tamil Nadu strategy depends on Dinakaran drama

The BJP is desperate to see a merger between the factions of Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy of AIADMK (Amma) and former chief minister O Panneerselvam of AIADMK (Puratchi Thalavi Amma), the latter backed by Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran.

The BJP was wooing the united AIADMK led by Jayalalithaa for nearly ten years till her death in December 2016. After supporting the NDA and famously backing out in 1998, she was in and out of alliances with the BJP, Congress and Third Front, but remained non-aligned since the 2014 elections. The BJP warmed up to her even more after Modi became prime minister in 2014 and after her death in December 2016, cosied up to her friend Sasikala who seemed like her heiress-obvious. Read the full story here

Wider cracks appear in AIADMK after Sasikala, Dinakaran get kicked out

Hours after AIADMK leader and finace minister of Tamil Nadu D Jayakumar announced that VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran were decided to be ‘delinked’ from the party, several MLAs and Dinakaran supporters rallied behind him and denounced the former’s statement. 

“Former chief minister O Panneerselvam, while going to Madurai, had said that he was ready for the merger without any conditions, which was acceptable to us. But when he imposed the condition today, we decided not to consider this. We will never accept this condition. Because it was TTV Dinakaran, who gave a new direction to the AIADMK,” party leader Nanzhil Sampath was quoted as saying by ANI.

Panneerselvam had put forth a condition that merger between the two factions would take place only if Sasikala and Dinakaran were ousted from the party.

Lookout notice issued against Dinakaran

A lookout notice has been issued against TTV Dinakaran, sources told media on Tuesday. According to reports, police fears that ousted former deputy general secretary of AIADMK (Amma) may try and flee the country.

It’s just about who blinks first

Even though there is a slim chance that the faction supporting Dinakaran will eventually gather enough support for its leader, nothing can be confirmed for the state of Tamil Nadu. 

As the political crisis in the state deepens and has been ongoing since Jayalalithaa’s demise in December 2016, it is an important day to watch whether the OPS and EPS camps are able to get over their high horses and join hands against the remaining Sasikala loyalists in AIADMK.

TTV Dinakaran gave new direction to the AIADMK,will never be bogged down by the pressure imposed by BJP:Nanzhil Sampath,Dinakaran supporter

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

#AIADMK is now trifurcated. #OPS, #EPS, #Sasikala.

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 18, 2017

#AIADMK is now trifurcated. #OPS, #EPS, #Sasikala.

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 18, 2017

Dinakaran calls meeting of MLAs post ouster from AIADMK

After being kicked out from the AIADMK (Amma), Dinakaran has reportedly called for a meeting of MLAs and district secretaries at party headquarter in Royapettah on Wednesday afternoon at 3 pm, ANI reported. AIADMK leader and state finance minister D Jayakumar had said that the party was decided on ‘delinking’ Sasikala and Dinakaran from the party.

Now, AIADMK split within three factions

After Tuesday night’s development, as the political crisis in Tamil Nadu deepens and enters the third day, it looks like the AIADMK is split within three factions — EPS camp, OPS camp and a group of leaders (even though small in number) with Dinakaran. 

On a day of fast-paced developments, the efforts for merger of Palaniswamy and Pannerselvam camps had earlier appeared to have hit a hurdle with the former chief minister insisting on the ouster of Sasikala and Dinakaran for talks to begin. The way for talks have been paved after his key demand was met by the Palaniswamy camp.

Big win for Panneerselvam, 20 ministers decide to oust Sasikala, Dinakaran, says Jayakumar

​​​

Just when a patch-up between the two AIADMK factions seemed unlikely, Tamil Nadu minister D Jayakumar announced late Tuesday night that 20 ministers have decided to oust party general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran, the deputy general secretary, from the party.

Read more here.

TTV Dinakaran and his family to be kept away from AIADMK

TTV Dinakaran and his family to be kept away from AIADMK and its government. Decision “unanimous” and based on the views of all ministers, including the chief minister, MLAs, MPs, public. Panel to be formed for day-to-day functioning of AIADMK, said D Jayakumar after the meeting held at Chief Minister E Palaniswami’s residence. 

PTI

Big win for OPS camp

What can be termed as a big victory for the O Panneerselvam camp, Tamil Nadu minister D Jayakumar announded on Tuesday that 20 ministers have decided to oust VK Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran from the party. In a late night development, the minister also said that the party will be run by a committee. 

Panneerselvam had earlier said there was no likelihood of talks of merger commencing if their key demand for ousting Sasikala and Dinakaran, the AIADMK deputy general secretary, was not met. The OPS camp also reportedly wants him (Pannerselvam) to be made both the AIADMK general secretary and chief minister, with E Palaniswami as his deputy. However, the EPS camp had earlier rejected these demands.

We have decided to delink Ttv Dinakaran and his family from the party, a committee will run the party: D Jayakumar,TN Minister pic.twitter.com/mpP7Vpm4he

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

#BREAKING -- 20 ministers decide to oust #Sasikala and #TTVDhinakaran from AIADMK; Finance minister D Jayakumar makes the announcement pic.twitter.com/M7NBfZMuF1

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 18, 2017

#Dhinakaran camp MLA T Selvan wants #OPS apology to get back into #AIADMK. Suggests hardening of position from the ruling camp on merger

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 18, 2017

Won't accept any condition for talks, there cannot be any demands to remove Sasikala & Dinakaran: Thanga Tamil Selvan, MLA (Sasikala camp) pic.twitter.com/fH39HjYIjk

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Centre, BJP have no role in instability in AIADMK: Naidu  

Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said the Centre wanted a stable government in Tamil Nadu and neither it nor the BJP had any role in the present “internal instability” in the ruling AIADMK in that state.

“The BJP or the Centre has no role in the internal instability in the AIADMK. The Centre does not interfere in the affairs of the states. We want a stable government in Tamil Nadu for the sake of development,” said the Union urban development minister. 

“The people there (Tamil Nadu) had voted for Amma (Jayalalithaa) but unfortunately, she is no more. The party (AIADMK) should resolve its differences for the sake of the people,” he said.

PTI

Lok Sabha tally in Tamil Nadu (2014) 

Total seats – 39
AIADMK – 37
BJP – 1
PMK – 1
Congress – 0

BJP’s TN strategy depends on Dinakaran drama

The BJP is desperate to see a merger between the factions of Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy of AIADMK (Amma) and former chief minister O Panneerselvam of AIADMK (Puratchi Thalavi Amma), the latter backed by Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dinakaran.

The BJP was wooing the united AIADMK led by Jayalalithaa for nearly 10 years till her death in December 2016. After supporting the NDA and famously backing out in 1998, she was in and out of the alliances of BJP, Congress and Third Front, but remained non-aligned since the 2014 election. The BJP warmed up to her even more after Narendra Modi became the prime minister in 2014 and, after her death in December 2016, cosied up to her friend Sasikala who seemed like her heiress-obvious.

The realisation that the popularity of scam-tainted Sasikala, who is now in a Bengaluru jail, was limited to some two dozen legislators and didn’t extend to people at large, followed by a split in the AIADMK, was an obvious cause of worry for the BJP. Then came the I-T raids on 7 April on a minister close to Dinakaran, which allegedly proved that he had distributed Rs 89 crore to voters in the run-up to the RK Nagar by-election, rescinded later. The Delhi Police case against him on Monday added a new twist: He was accused of attempting to bribe the Election Commission to get the united AIADMK’s seized two-leaves symbol for his faction. 

A reunited AIADMK, minus Sasikala and her family, would be ethically and electorally an ideal entity for the BJP to align with. And it would be naive to believe that the BJP is a mere spectator in his drama-it’s a catalyst from outside, if not an agent provocateur from inside.

OPS has the upper hand for now

Now, with Sasikala finding it tough to operate her faction from prison, notwithstanding her nephew Dinakaran, her supremacy is slipping away quickly. What will hasten this slide, perhaps irreversibly, will be Dinakaran’s actual arrest by the Delhi Police. In that event, the Sasikala camp will have an additional headache: Of extracting Dinakaran from this mess – or sacrificing him – and managing the fracas within the party. 

How the entire saga will actually unfold remains to be seen, but Panneerselvam has clearly achieved the upper hand in light of his other demand, which is far more intrepid: He wants to replace Palaniswamy as the chief minister, while demoting him to deputy chief minister. 

Rift in Sasikala family

While O Panneerselvam on Tuesday ruled out any merger in the AIADMK until the ouster of VK Sasikala and her family from the party, reports suggested that there are disagreements in the Sasikala family over the control of the party. 

According to News 18 , her husband M Natarajan and brother Diwakaran want to withdraw from active politics, Sasikala’s nephews TTV Dinakaran and Dr Venkatesh want to strengthen control over the party. Meanwhile, informal talks continued between OPS and EPS camps.

Who is Sukesh Chandrasekhar? 

Sukesh Chandrasekhar, said to be the alleged middleman who was working for AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran, was arrested in New Delhi on Sunday and Rs 1.3 crore was recovered from him. Chandrasekhar and Dinakaran were allegedly involved in a deal worth Rs 50 crore to help the latter’s AIADMK (Amma) faction clinch the all-important election symbol of ’two leaves'.

Demands of the OPS camp

The O Panneerselvam (OPS) camp’s insistence on bagging all the three top posts — chief minister, party general secretary and Presidium chairman — has miffed the Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) camp. While OPS projects himself as having been Jayalalithaa’s chosen one on more than one occasion, EPS was hoping to stay the chief minister while allowing OPS to become party chief. Offering the post of deputy chief minister to EPS is an option the OPS camp is mulling but there is no clarity if the chief minister will agree to a demotion. 

Here are the top five developments

1. OPS camp wants Sasikala and Dinakaran out of the party. They also want OPS to be the chief minister while accommodating EPS as the deputy chief minister. 

2. EPS camp welcomed the talks of a merger. 

3. Thambidurai, the Sasikala camp leader, said that the party has not split while welcoming a merger

4. EPS camp held a meeting at INS Chennai to plan the future course of action. 

5. KA Sengottaiyan, minister of school education, said that EPS has urged party unity while staying mum on the future of the Sasikala family in the party.

CNN-News18 accesses FIR filed by crime branch in AIADMK symbol row.
FIR: Sukesh conspired with Dinakaran get favourable ruling on symbol pic.twitter.com/Nsj090eoFb

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 18, 2017

What will be on Dinakaran’s mind? 

His first priority will be to get out of the Delhi Police mess but that has now got linked to the pressure on him to quit as deputy general secretary. The case has weakened his bargaining strength but it would be a mistake to underestimate Dinakaran. All said and done, he managed to ensure the MLAs did not desert his aunt in February by putting them up at Golden Bay resort, 60 km from Chennai. There is no reason he will go down without a fight.

It will finally come down to who will blink first especially since Delhi Police is a significant non-political player in this game of thrones. If Dinakaran and Sasikala lay down their arms, the game is over. But if they do not and EPS refuses to vacate his chair, it will be back to political rhetoric and status quo.

“Sasikala and her family have to be kept away, directly or indirectly they shouldn’t have any role within party,” KC Palanisamy

Sasikala & her family have to be kept away, directly or indirectly they shouldn't have any role within party: KC Palanisamy, OPS camp leader pic.twitter.com/feTSLO2iso

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

No demands made by OPS till now, he only said he wants to work unitedly. We are ready to talk whenever he wants to: C. Ve Shanmugam, TN Min pic.twitter.com/lKBQZRtXd2

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Panneerselvam’s ’no’ to Sasikala family for AIADMK unity

The Panneerselvam faction has made it clear that he would be the AIADMK General Secretary as well as Chief Minister while incumbent Chief Minister K Palaniswami, a Sasikala backer, can be his deputy. “The basic condition is that family members of Sasikala should not be in the party,” former AIADMK MP and Panneerselvam confidant KC Palaniswamy told IANS.

The nominees for other party posts “can be negotiated”, Palaniswamy added. Efforts are reportedly on to bring together the two factions of the AIADMK after Delhi Police filed a case against Sasikala’s nephew and Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran for trying to bribe the Election Commission to allot his faction the frozen “two leaves” election symbol.

The problem began when J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu passed away, and her close aide VK Sasikala appropriated the control of the AIADMK, which was seen as a manoeuvre but was backed by all party leaders. However, all hell broke lose when Sasikala tried to oust the then chief minister O Panneerselvam, and wanted the post for herself. OPS refused to quit, sat on samadhi at Amma’s grave in Marina Beach. Sasikala’s political ambitions took a hit when the Supreme Court sentenced her to prison over corruption charges in February. 

Here’s a brief timeline of the events that unfolded since then.

OPS faction tweets, says ready to talk

The O Panneerselvam camp took to Twitter to express its willingness to hold talks with the AIADMK (Amma) faction. “The AIADMK (Amma) faction has constituted a team to hold talks. We are ready to hold consultations with that team if it meets us,” the twitter handle, @OfficeofOPS, said.

Ruling AIADMK forms team for talks with Panneerselvam group

The AIADMK (Amma) faction announced constitution of a team to hold talks with the rival Panneerselvam camp on the issue of a possible patch up. Senior leader in the VK Sasikala faction and Cooperation Minister, Sellur K Raju, said Chief Minister K Palaniswami has constituted a team of “senior ministers” for the purpose.

“The chances of the panel holding talks are high,” Raju told a Tamil TV Channel. He said that since there was a “split between siblings”, it would not be fair on the part of either side to put terms and conditions for the merger talks.

–PTI

OPS has the upper hand in this fight, but will Sasikala clan quietly go away?

O Panneerselvam hardening his stand that he would not talk merger unless Sasikala and Dinakaran are thrown out of the party is a clear indication that he has the upper hand. Most voices from his rival camp are expressing their desire quite openly for a compromise even while not distancing themselves from the Sasikala family.

OPS has never appeared this confident —  not even when he came out with his dramatic rebellion in February. The rival camp is clearly in a quandary and it’s they who seemingly want protection through a merger with the OPS camp. The Sasikala family will not leave without a fight; they are known to dig their heels in.

Cabinet ready to accept OPS as CM: Reports

According to a report by India Today, sources close to the party have said that the Cabinet is ready to support O Panneerselvam as the new chief minister if E Palanisamy is made the deputy CM.

Meanwhile, reports also suggests that EPS is keen on keeping the post of party general secretary for himself. What remains to be seen is how much ground are the two factions ready to cede to successfuly cement a reunion and to sustain it.

Mannargudi clan’s departure, probe in Jaya’s death precondition for merger talks

By publicaly airing the terms for negotiation, the OPS camp has put its foot down on it’s demands in the wake of a merger. With this, now the ball lies in EPS camp’s court. The Tamil Nadu chief minister will not only have to sack Sasikala and Dinakaran from the party, but also negotiate other terms and conditions of the merger with OPS.

Amid whispers of merger, TN Minister talks of ‘brotherly’ feeling within ranks of AIADMK

“After Jayalalitha’s demise, there was some ruckus and factions happened. We are sad on that and even some hate speeches have rolled out. But, it’s now time for all to forget the past and work for the future,” Minister for Cooperation Sellur K. Raju said, adding that both the factions were eventually “brothers from the same family”

Is this all part of a BJP script?

In roughly two months since he fired the first shot against VK Sasikala on the sprawling sands of Marina Beach in Chennai, rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) seems to be winning his battle. By all indications, his section of the party and the bigger ruling faction are likely to close ranks in a day.

At least for the time being, TTV Dinakaran (also spelled as Dhinakaran), Sasikala’s nephew, who had himself planted at the top of the AIADMK as its deputy general secretary when his aunt went to jail in Bengaluru for corruption, will be ousted. Sasikala is unlikely to be touched for two reasons: First, she is in jail and cannot meddle with the party on a daily basis; and second, a number of MLAs cannot simply abandon their loyalty to her.

In the public eye, an apparently virtuous OPS, who rose to some sort of star status by defying Sasikala’s hegemony, will win and all will be well with the AIADMK; but in reality, it will be the BJP — that has been pulling the strings from Delhi — that wins. Without the BJP, OPS wouldn’t have rebelled and sustained himself this long, let alone won the battle.

With Sasikala in jail and Dinakaran out of the job, the AIADMK will be ridden with multiple caste and loyalty-driven factions. And that is an ideal setting for a compromises at least among the most prominent factional leaders such as OPS, chief minister Edappadi Palaniswamy and MP M Thambidurai. It remains to be seen how they share power – Edapaddy is likely to continue as the chief minister, OPS might take over as the deputy general secretary and finance minister and Thambidurai will be party’s point-man in Delhi. OPS’s associate and a Jayalalithaa favourite Mafoi K Pandiarajan is likely to get back his portfolios. Sasikala is unlikely to be touched any time now, but her influence will certainly wane.

Unending political crises in Tamil Nadu: Timeline of events since J Jayalalithaa passed away in December 2016

Dinakaran was not even member of the party till Amma's demise, elections for office-bearers of AIADMK was itself illegal: O Panneerselvam pic.twitter.com/sIupIhh1nI

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Earthquake of magnitude 5.0 hit Kishtwar in Jammu & Kashmir at 10:41 am today.

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

We have submitted all this to EC yesterday and asked to inquire into matter (election for AIADMK office-bearers after Jaya's demise): OPS

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

During the election campaigning in RK Nagar many malpractices were done, Rs. 4000 offered to voters: O Panneerselvam

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

OPS states demands clearly: No one from Sasikala family will be tolerated in AIADMK

Former chief minister O Panneerselvam addressed the media in Chennai and in clear words stated that if the EPS faction wants a merger, then the family of VK Sasikala cannot be a part of the re-united AIADMK. Speaking to mediapersons, OPS said, “TTV Dinakaran’s clout reduced after the RK Nagar bypolls. Moving away from Jayalalithaa’s legacy will be treason. Must clear doubts on Jayalalithaa’s death, hence a probe must be initiated. When the EC was investigating the matter on Monday,  The family which betrayed Jayalalithaa has to go. AIADMK must be saved from the dynastic politics. We will not change our demands for the merger. We will not accept any family rule.”

OPS also reiterated his demand of a judicial probe into Jayalalithaa’s death. 

Cops in a huddle at police headquarters

A meeting has been called at the Police Head Quarters after names of bureaucrats, senior officials have come up in the investigation. Investigating officers have been asked to report with case papers.

#BREAKING -- Dinakaran Bribery Case: Cops in a huddle at police headquarters. Sources say investigating officers summoned at police HQ pic.twitter.com/quA6ywYqVg

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 18, 2017

Should focus on protecting party symbol: Thambidurai

Speaking to CNN-News18, Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, who also belongs to the Sasikala camp, said, “There is no split in the party, only differences in opinion. We are sorting out the issue. People are still supporting Amma’s legacy. This is proved by the fact that AIADMK has 50 percent vote bank, while the DMK has only 30 percent. We need to protect the party symbol, so all must come together. This is not a question of the CM post; only of Amma’s legacy.”

We will do what people want: OPS camp

Sources in the O Panneerselvam camp said that the party general secretary or the Chief Minister’s post is not a nominated position, it is an elected one. “We will go by what the people want. We will not agree to anything right now as tomorrow we might end up as scapegoats,” sources from the OPS camp told News18.

Story so far: Midnight huddle of ministers and where EPS and OPS stand on the merger

The trend of the late night political dramas in Tamil Nadu, which began with the former Chief Minsiter O Panneerselvam visiting the Amma samadhi in February, restarted on Monday with the high-level meeting of the members of Sasikala faction.

With as many as nine ministers from the Edappadi Palaniswami cabinet going into a huddle, indicating that there could be a merger of the two warring factions. Earlier on Monday, rumours were abound VK Sasikala, who is in the Bengaluru jail, had resigned as the party chief. However, the claims were denied by the leaders of Sasikala faction. Sources said that AIADMK leaders claim all MLAs and ministers are on the same page regarding the merger.

Emerging from an hour-and-half-long meeting held at the residence of electricity minister K Thangamani late Monday night, finance minister D Jayakumar said modalities were being worked out to pave the way for the merger of factions led by Dhinakaran and Panneerselvam. “We appreciate Panneerselvam’s offer to merge. We want AIADMK to be united and Amma’s legacy should continue. We spoke about the functions if we merge,” he said.

He further added, “We will talk to Dinakaran once he returns from Bengaluru.”

O Panneerselvam had earlier in the day hinted at fresh efforts at a unified AIADMK when he said he was confident that AIADMK leaders would approach him for merger talks. “No one has approached us for it so far and if approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that the Sasikala faction will come,” he said. His remarks came amid the speculations in a section of media that a merger was on the cards after dumping party interim chief V K Sasikala and her family, including deputy chief Dhinakaran.

On the FIR against Dhinakaran, the former chief minister said he would comment on it after getting full information. Answering a question, he said, only his faction would get the AIADMK party’s two-leaves symbol.

No talks on Dinakaran, Sasikala issue: Sengottaiyan

“Dinakaran has heard the updates keenly and has welcomed OPS’ statement. He will take a decision soon. There have been no talks about the Dinakaran and Sasikala issue. Even the OPS faction has not raised any questions about it,” says KA Sengottaiyan.

There are no talks on the issue of TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala, nor did OPS faction raise any question on the same: KA Sengottaiyan pic.twitter.com/DkMoboSIkT

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Dinakaran Finds His List of Supporters Thinning

Dinakaran’s list of supporters are thinning, or so it seems. As the Delhi Police are inching closer to Dinakaran, his posse of supporters seem to be taking one back, News18 reported. 

“The second-most powerful leader in the party now finds himself increasingly isolated with ministers and party leaders seen as loyalists of his jailed aunt VK Sasikala giving thought to O Panneerselvam’s offer of a reunion.”

No formal talks of merger yet: Sengottaiyan

Minister for School Education K Sengottiyan at a press conference said that there has been no formal talk between the EPS and OPS faction regarding the merger of the AIADMK. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Sengottiyan, who is from the Sasikala camp, remained silent on whether TTV Dinakaran will be stepping down as the party deputy general secretary.

Delhi Police questions Sukesh Chandrashekhar, alleged middleman in EC bribery case

In an aside, looks like TTV Dinakaran is overwhelmed with problems at the moment. On one hand is the state’s politics, where his stint within the AIADMK is likely to come under threat, in case the merger does take place. On the other hand, the AIADMK deputy general secretary is having a tough time dealing with the bribery allegations laid out against him.

According to Times Now, the Delhi Police is questioning Sukesh Chandrashekhar, the alleged middleman in the bribery case, to ascertain whether Dinakaran was conned or did the man really had some connections in the poll panel.

Dinakaran loyalists can dampen the prospects of an AIADMK merger

Delhi police is likely to interrogate two more people in the EC bribery case. Meanwhile Dinakaran is reported to have consulted his lawyers on his legal options. But politically, even as both sides have talked positively in favour of a merger, Dinakaran may still have the ace up his sleeve. His loyalist MLAs, who wouldn’t agree to work under O Panneerselvam’s leadership,  will ensure that the government is in a minority. But for Dinakaran, the priority is not so much to take care of the political crisis but to wriggle out of the bribery case against him.

Symbol remains bone of contention for AIADMK factions: Sellur Raju

Tamil Nadu minister Sellur Raju on Tuesday morning said that the bone of contention between the two factions is the symbol. “In order to retrieve the symbol both factions must work unitedly,” Raju was quoted as saying by ANI. He further added that O Panneerselvam on Monday had said that there are possibilities that both factions could sit together and talk to iron out differences. 

Core issue with both of us remains symbol of 'two leaves'. In order to retrieve the symbol both factions must work unitedly: Sellur Raju pic.twitter.com/KJsxcQ3jqr

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Here are the OPS and Dinakaran camps’ terms and conditions for reunification

After the Delhi Police on Monday booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official for obtaining the party symbol for his faction following the arrest of an alleged middleman, there were speculations that a merger between the two AIADMK factions was on the cards. Rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam had expressed confidence that the TTV Dinakaran-led faction leaders would approach him for merger talks.

On speculations about merger of the two AIADMK factions and that he was going to be made “general secretary”, he had said that no one has approached him for it so far. “If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks),” he had told reporters at the airport in Chennai.

CNN-News18 also reported that sources had told the TV channel that Panneerselvam’s faction had on Tuesday placed some conditions for the possible merger. He had reportedly demanded a probe panel for former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s death and wanted no interference from Sasikala’s kin in party matters. Read the full story here

A team consisting of senior mins formed by us for the process of merger of 2 factions. We are brothers from same family: TN Min Sellur Raju pic.twitter.com/xxUlAdOaLa

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

AIADMK fears for its survival in Tamil Nadu: BJP

The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit said the ruling AIADMK (Amma) has apprehensions over its survival in the state, given the split in the party and various crisis faced by the government. “They are unnecessarily targeting the BJP and me,” BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan said reacting to the AIADMK (Amma) faction’s chief TTV Dinakaran’s remark blaming her party BJP, the DMK, the IT Department and the Election Commission and former TN CM O Panneerselvam for working as a “coalition” against his party.

The reason for it, she said, was the ruling party’s fears over the survival of the government and the party in Tamil Nadu.

I Am happy for the move of merger with the OPS faction: Tamil Nadu Forest Minister C Srinivasan pic.twitter.com/UZXq0xWYaJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Compromise formula behind a re-united AIADMK 

By the looks of it, political turmoil is back to haunt Tamil Nadu. After O Panneerselvam laid out his demands for the possible merger of the two factions of AIADMK, Palaniswami – who beat Panneerselvam for the top post earlier this year with most AIADMK legislators supporting him – will remain chief minister under the formula being discussed, NDTV reported quoting sources. Paneerselvam’s supporters, however, want him to be both party chief and  chief minister.

According to reports, the merger talks are happening around the fact that OPS will be appointed as the chief of a re-united AIADMK, replacing Sasikala. Some news channels called it the “compromise formula.”

Dinakaran ’not keen’ to step down: Reports

According to India Today TV, TTV Dinakaran is reportedly unwilling to vacate the not very keen to step down as party’s deputy general secretary, even as pressure mounts on him to resign on moral ground following the bribery charges.

Dinakaran, however, is learnt to have been buying time on the grounds that he has not been able to consult Sasikala yet. Dinakaran had apparently sought to meet Sasikala, who is lodged in jail, but the meeting couldn’t take place.

Post-merger, OPS camp wants internal polls for party general secretary, CM positions

CNN-News18 has reported that the O Panneerselvam camp has conveyed to the Sasikala camp that they want internal elections to be held to elect the party general secretary and the merged AIADMK’s chief ministerial pick.

Will Dinakaran quit without a fight? Highly unlikely

However, Dinakaran, who still enjoys the support of at least 25 MLAs, is not likely to go down without a fight. Also, when elections were held, Sasikala personally decided on tickets to some 90 candidates. Would they continue to stay loyal or jump ship? That is the crucial question.

Writing on the wall clear for Dinakaran: Step aside and let both factions merge

With TTV Dinakaran back at his Chennai residence after failing to meet aunt VK Sasikala at the Bengaluru jail, Tuesday promises to be a day of fast paced developments.

Two senior ministers — Sengottiayan and C Srinivasan — considered close to sasikala will meet Dinakaran to convey to him the party mood. The writing on the wall is clear for Dinakaran: Step aside and let both factions merge.

Tuesday was reportedly the deadline fixed by some MLAs when they had met TTV on 14 April on Tamil New Year Day, for him and his aunt to quit.

EPS camp in huddle at CM residence

After reports that TTV Dinakaran has returned to Chennai, leaders from the Sasikala camp have huddled up at the chief minister’s official residence to decide on the strategy ahead, according to India Today TV.

OPS camp claims cadres support, says Sasikala camp must walk the extra mile to ensure merger

#UPDATE OPS' condition for merger 4:
Sasikala faction should walk extra mile for merger as cadres are still with OPS:Sources to @maryashakil pic.twitter.com/AzmJBCpBZC

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 18, 2017

On return to Chennai, Dinakaran meets legal team

AIADMK (Amma) Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran, booked by Delhi Police for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official, vowed on Monday to fight the case legally and alleged that efforts were being made to “destroy our organisation politically”.

He was booked following the arrest of Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a middleman, from a five-star hotel in Delhi on Sunday. The leader of the V K Sasikala faction of the ruling party also claimed he did not know Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a middleman arrested by the Delhi police in this matter. “I will answer if I get summons. I will face it legally. How does a broker or somebody say the money was from TTV Dinakaran? I don’t know anybody by that name nor have I come across any such name in my life,” he told reporters in Chennai.

O Panneerselvam has set conditions for the possible AIADMK merger

– As per J Jayalalithaa’s wishes O Panneerselvam should return as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

– Enquiry Commission into Jayalalithaa’s death.
– No interference of VK Sasikala or her kin in AIADMK functioning.
– Sasikala faction should extend the olive branch to OPS’ camp as AIADMK cadres are with Panneerselvam.

DMK says merger of 'power-monger' OPS, Sasikala factions will not lasthttps://t.co/tdLEtDmUBX pic.twitter.com/rbXL61oUwM

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) April 18, 2017

Sasikala faction of AIADMK has formed a committee to conduct talks on merger: O Panneerselvam #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/wMr09tc7R2

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2017

Dinakaran reaches his residence in Chennai

The Delhi Police Crime Branch team which was supposed to leave for Chennai today has postponed the visit citing focus on a Delhi-centric investigation, CNN-News18 reported. 

Meanwhile, missing in action, TV reports said that Dinakaran has reached his residence in Chennai.

Cars, Cash, Con: The Lavish Lifestyle of Dinakaran’s ‘Middleman’

Chandrashekhar had allegedly told Dhinakaran that he has contacts in the EC and they will help the Sasikala faction to get the AIADMK’s poll symbol of two leaves in the by-election to the R K Nagar Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu. Police got on Chadrashekhar’s trail after they received a tip-off from an informer about certain EC official being approached.

“We had the information that Dhinakaran is trying to reach out to the EC through a middleman, who was later identified as Chandrashekhar,” he said. It has been learnt that the conman had struck a deal for Rs 50 crore for helping the AIADMK (Amma) faction to keep the ’two leaves’ symbol, said an officer privy to the probe.

Till now, he had got Rs 10 crore of the deal amount and the remaining was to be given to him in a time-bound manner. On Sunday, police recovered Rs 1.30 crore in cash and two luxury cars — a BMW and a Mercedes — from him.

Chandrashekhar is accused in several cheating cases: Police

Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly taking money from AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran to bribe Election Commission officials in getting his party the AIADMK’s poll symbol of two leaves, is an accused in several cheating cases.

He is also known as a flamboyant conman having a fetish for luxury cars. At the age of 27, Chandrashekhar has cases of cheating and illegal money laundering against him in the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Chennai Police and the Bengaluru Police, a senior Delhi police officer said. He was arrested on Sunday from a five-star hotel in New Delhi.

EPS camp ready to kick Dinakaran out

Nine ministers of the Edappadi Palaniswami camp had an impromptu meeting around midnight on Monday. D Jayakumar, finance minister in the Palaniswami government said after the meeting that the group had discussed the party’s election symbol issue and Panneerselvam’s suggestion at merger.

Rebel leader and former chief minister O Panneerselvam had earlier hinted at fresh efforts at a unified AIADMK, provided that VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran resign from their posts.

Keeping Dinakaran out serves all

Dinakaran is either consumed by a political death wish or is plain audacious. Those are the only two conclusions you can arrive at if you take claims made by Delhi Police at face value. 

There are many questions that arise. Given that Dinakaran has been a political animal for so long if he indeed had to use someone to bribe EC officials, wouldn’t he have depended on his trustworthy political managers who know their way through the Lutyens Delhi maze? Why would Dhinakaran bank on a 27-year-old person who has the reputation of a conman, to get a political work done? And there is still no word on whether any EC bigwig was indeed approached with the offer.

Why these question marks are being raised is because political events are unfolding in tandem in Chennai. On Friday, which was Tamil New Year day, a dozen senior leaders of the party, including some ministers asked Dinakaran to step aside as deputy general secretary. They reportedly told him that the Income Tax raid on Health minister C Vijayabaskar was an indication of things to come. Three ministers have also been booked for obstructing the I-T sleuths from doing their job. They read the writing on the wall that anyone in the Sasikala camp was a certain target for central agencies. And those with skeletons in their cupboard do not want to risk a sleuth’s knock.

At the same time, chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami has been mounting pressure on Dinakaran to green-light his proposal to sack Vijayabaskar. Dinakaran sees the Health minister as his loyalist, who played a crucial role in the RK Nagar election campaign. Removing him, Dinakaran realises, will only embolden his detractors to ask for more. Read full story here

Expecting Sasikala camp to call me about merger: O Panneerselvam

After a late-night huddle of senior AIADMK ministers about a possible merger, O Panneerselvam has reportedly said that a committee has been formed by Sasikala team to begin talks about uniting the party. “I’m expecting them to contact me anytime,” OPS reportedly said. 

A committee has been formed by Sasikala team to begin talks about uniting the party. I'm expecting them to contact me anytime: OPS

— IndiaTodayFLASH (@IndiaTodayFLASH) April 18, 2017

Dinakaran must go: AIADMK members agree 

Sasikala faction is discussing a number of scenarios by which the party can be safeguarded, including a possible merger with the opposing camp of O Panneerselvam. But speaking to The Indian Express , sources from Sasikala faction said that all options had one common strand: Dinakaran must go.

Dinakaran likely to be arrested today

The Indian Express reported that post the bribe allegations, political ambitions of TTV Dinakaran are coming to an end. AIADMK deputy general secretary and nephew of jailed party leader V K Sasikala, Dinakaran is most likely to meet the jailed former general secretary and resign from the post.