Former AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa's memorial back in the spotlight

As soon as news spread about the leaders of the two AIADMK factions arriving at the burial site of former party supremo J Jayalalithaa to pay their respects as part of merger talks, the memorial in Chennai was buzzing with activity and was under thick security cover on Friday.

Supporters of AIADMK Amma and AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi factions descended at the memorial near the shores of Marina, as there was a strong rumour that their respective leaders - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam - would formally announce the merger of the factions at the memorial.

Party sources said, after paying their respects to Jayalalithaa, the two leaders would visit the party headquarters along with their supporters.

Following the development, police personnel were deployed in large numbers at the memorial with members of the public who wanted to offer their respects to Jayalalithaa fondly called as "Amma" (Mother) were prevented from entering the burial site.

Two special wreaths were also kept so as to enable Palaniswami and Panneerselvam to offer their respects at the burial site.

As the merger talks remained inconclusive, the wreaths were removed and the public were allowed to enter the burial site later.

It may be recalled that Panneerselvam after meditating at the memorial nearly for 40 minutes in February this year, revealed that he was forced to resign from the chief minister's post in order clear the way for the now-jailed V K Sasikala to lead the party.