 "AIADMK factions announce merger; Panneerselvam to be deputy CM and FM")
The two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), emerged in February, this year, after the demise of Tamil Nadu's former chief minister, J Jayalalithaa, announced the merger between the factions. The cabinet would be realigned to include the representatives of the O Panneerselvam faction, according to sources.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who heads the ruling faction AIADMK (Amma), and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who heads the AIADMK Puratchi Thalivi Amma (PTA) faction, reached the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai, and shook hands announcing the merger. Both leaders arrived at the party headquarters after 2 pm.
It has been said that while one faction will lead the government, the other one will get the leadership of the party.
Speculations are that Pannerselvam is expected to take charge as the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of the state, apart from heading a nine-member committee in the party to guide the government. Palaniswami, who leads the AIADMK (Amma) faction and is currently the CM of Tamil Nadu, will be co-chairing the committee. Some senior leaders from the Panneerselvam faction are also expected to get seats in the state cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at 4:30 pm Monday evening
The development comes after AIADMK (Amma) rejected the leadership of VK Sasikala's nephew and party deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran and announced plans to appoint an inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court Judge to probe into the death of Jayalalithaa, in lines with the demands of the O Panneerselvam-led AIADMK Puratchi Thalivi Amma (PTA) faction.
"We will get the party symbol back and will defeat the enemy. Jayalalithaa had said before that after me, the AIADMK will be there for 100 years. We all will make it sure," Palaniswami added.
The striking part of the merger is that EPS has taken a backseat in the party, declaring OPS as the convenor of the party. EPS will be the co-convenor.
The striking part of the merger is that EPS has taken a backseat in the party, declaring OPS as the convenor of the party. EPS will be the co-convenor.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%