TN Ministers hold talks over "merger" of AIADMK factions

Senior Tamil Nadu Ministers are holding urgent consultations here tonight amid talk of merger of the rival AIADMK factions led by V K Sasikala/T T V Dhinakaran and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.
The unscheduled late night meet, chaired by Electricity Minister K Thangamani, is underway at his official residence at the Greenways Road here.
Ministers including Health Minister C Vijayabaskar, who is under the Income Tax scanner, are present at the meeting. Chief Minister K Palaniswami is not attending the meet, party sources said.
Vijayabaskar's presence is significant as it was speculated that his resignation was demanded by some senior Ministers.

The meeting began about an hour ago, and the Ministers are expected to address the media about the outcome after the conclusion of the deliberations.
Ruling party legislators have also been asked to be available in the city tomorrow, sources said.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister K Palaniswami too held talks with his Cabinet colleagues.
The meetings are being held after Panneerselvam spoke about merger talks.
Earlier, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai said that Dhinakaran faction was ready for talks with Panneerselvam for a patch-up.
Incidentally, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao arrived in the city earlier in the day.