MP's post brings out discontent within AIADMK

The simmering discontentment within the unified AIADMK has come out in the open with Rajya Sabha Member V. Maitreyan posting a message on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

Three months have passed after the merger of OPS-EPS groups and fourth month has begun, Maitreyan said in a Facebook post.

"Months are rolling by but what about hearts," Maitreyan posted.

Maitreyan was the first known face to support Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam when he revolted against the then party leader, now jailed, V.K. Sasikala.

He was one of the key persons in the faction led by Panneerselvam before it was merged with the one led by Chief Minister K. Palaniswami three months back.

This is the first time an AIADMK leader has hinted obliquely that all is not well between the two merged factions.

Following the merger, Panneerselvam was made the Deputy Chief Minister and the other terms of agreement was formation of a steering committee with members from both the factions.

An AIADMK leader, not wanting to be quoted, told IANS: "One of the issues is the dual posts -- in the government and the party -- held by the Ministers. The members of Panneerselvam faction did not get any major party position after the merger."

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar told reporters that there is no division within the party and he was unaware of Maitreyan's Facebook post.

However there was a feeling in the former Chief Minister Panneerselvam's camp that the merger of the two factions and accepting the Deputy Chief Minister post was a step down from the strong position the faction had held prior to the merger.

--IANS

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