AIADMK Merger Live: 21 MLAs Back TTV, Housed in Puducherry Resort
O Panneerselvam to become the next deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The two warring factions of the AIADMK, led by O Panneerselvam and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami respectively, were reunited on 21 August, six months after the party split following the death of former TN Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Panneerselvam (or OPS), who had held the post of Chief Minister twice when Jayalalithaa was jailed and again after she died in December, was made Deputy Chief Minister and given the portfolios of Finance, Housing, Urban Development and CMDA in Palaniswami’s cabinet. He has also been named the co-convener of the AIADMK.
On the other hand, VK Sasikala is likely to be removed from the post of AIADMK general secretary, with Rajya Sabha MP R Vaithilingam saying that a general council meeting will be held to discuss the matter soon.
- 21 dissenting AIADMK MLAs supporting TTV Dhinakaran are housed at a resort in Puducherry
- On 22 August, 19 MLAs met Governor and submitted their decision to withdraw support to EPS govt
- AIADMK party whip wants the 19 MLAs to be disqualified
- Opposition leader MK Stalin also met Governor and demanded that EPS prove majority in floor test
- PM Narendra Modi congratulates OPS and EPS on AIADMK merger
- OPS sworn in as Deputy CM. He will hold portfolios of Finance, Housing, Urban Development and CMDA
- Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam have been named co-convenors of the AIADMK
Another MLA Joins TTV-Sasikala Faction
According to ANI, another MLA reached the Puducherry Sunway Manor Resort, taking the total number of MLAs in the TTV-Sasikala faction to 21.
Police Team Enters Resort Housing Protesting MLAs
On Thursday, ANI reported that a police team has entered Puducherry's Windflower Resort where MLAs from TTV Dinakaran's camp have put up. The MLAs had been staying there to protest the merger between the O Panneerselvam and the Edappadi Palaniswami camps.
Earlier during the day P Vetrivel, a Dinakaran supporter, had said they wanted Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanpal to be made the chief minister.
“We never said we will vote against the government,” the MLA added.
Police Reaches Resort Where Protesting MLAs Have Put Up
On Thursday, ANI reported that a police team has entered Puducherry's Windflower Resort where MLAs from TTV Dinakaran's camp have put up. The MLAs had been staying there to protest the merger between the O Panneerselvam and the Edappadi Palaniswami camps.
Dhinakaran Removes Udhayakumar as Secretary of Party Forum
TTV Dhinakaran on Wednesday removed Revenue Minister RB Udhayakumar as the secretary of a party forum named after late Jayalalithaa.
He replaced Udhayakumar with MLA S Mariappan Kennedy, a loyalist.
He also removed V V Rajan Chennappa, MLA, as party Madurai urban secretary, a statement said.
Dhinakaran, nephew of V K Sasikala, also appointed some of his supporters to various party posts, two days after the merger of the two factions led by Palaniswami and rebel leader O Panneerselvam, a former chief minister.
AIADMK Supporters Hold Anti-Dhinakaran Protest
AIADMK supporters on Wednesday held a protest near Windflower resort in Puducherry where MLAs supporting Dhinakaran are lodged. They raised slogans and burnt Dhinakaran’s posters.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA KR Ramasamy has written to Tamil Nadu Governor asking him to direct Chief Minister E Palaniswami to prove majority in the Assembly.
MLAs Arrive At Puducherry Resort to "Rest and Relax"
Eighteen MLAs, who have expressed their support to TTV Dhinakarn have reportedly arrived at Windflower Resorts in Puducherry on Tuesday evening.
According to the Times of India, these MLAs were sent to the resort to “relax and rest”.
The report said that the first MLA to reach the resort was Thanga Tamilselvan (Andipatti constituency) followed by K Kathirkamu (Periyakulam). Other MLAs, who checked into the resort before evening include NG Parthiban (Sholingur), C Jayanthi Padmanabhan (Gudiyattan), S Muthiah (Paramakudi), R Thangathurai (Nilakottai) and Mariappam Kennady (Manamadurai).
Dhinakaran is likely to hold a meeting with these MLAs on Wednesay.
Defected MLAs to Be Taken to Resort Outside Chennai: Reports
The 19 MLAs who have defected from the E Palaniswami led AIADMK government are reportedly being taken to a resort on the outskirts of Chennai by the sidelined TTV Dhinakaran, reported NDTV.
The MLAs met with Governor Vidyasagar Rao, earlier on 22 August, and requested that Palaniswami be sacked as he “lost their confidence”.
EPS and OPS Meet Top Ministers
CM E Palaniswami called for an urgent top-level meeting to discuss the latest developments, reported CNN News18.
The meeting was reportedly to discuss the possibilities of gaining the support of the 19 MLAs, who have now pledged support to TTV Dhinakaran and withdrawn support from the government.
TTV Dinakaran Sacks AIADMK MP Vaithilingam
‘Ousted’ AIADMK deputy secretary TTV Dinakaran has reportedly sacked AIADMK MP Vaithilingam for saying Sasikala will be removed from the party on Monday.
Stalin Demands Trust Vote
DMK executive president MK Stalin has demanded a trust vote, in light of the 19 MLAs withdrawing support to the government. Speaking to the media, he further alleged that 22 MLAs had withdrawn their support to the government.
19 MLAs Backing TTV Submit Decision to Pull Out From AIADMK Govt
Nineteen MLAs, pledging support to ousted AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran, met Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Tuesday and informed him of their decision to withdraw support to TN Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami.
What this means is that as per convention, the Governor will have to call for a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
The MLAs accused CM Palaniswami of corruption and abuse of power, a source in the Raj Bhavan told The News Minute. The MLAs’ memorandum reads:
Speaking to the media after withdrawing support from the government, P Vetrivel said,
MLAs Supporting TTV Reach Raj Bhavan
The 18 MLAs who have pledged their support to TTV Dhinakaran’s faction of the AIADMK have reached the Raj Bhavan, where they are to meet Governor C Vidyasagar Rao at 10 am.
Before heading to Raj Bhavan, the MLAs met TTV Dhinakaran at his residence.
TTV Dhinakaran to Address Media on 23 August
TTV Dhinkaran has postponed his address to the media to 23 August, citing health reasons.
18 MLAs Support TTV, to Meet Governor at 10 am Today
Hours after the two factions of the ruling AIADMK merged, MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined party Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran said they would meet Governor C Vidyasagar Rao.
"We have sought an appointment with the governor tomorrow and he has given time at 10 AM. We will be meeting him and hold consultations," key Dhinakaran aide and legislator P Vetrivel was quoted as saying.
A vocal voice of the Dhinakaran camp, Vetrivel was part of a group of MLAs that visited the burial site of former chief minister Jayalalithaa at Marina beach and meditated for about 15 minutes before disclosing their plans.
When asked about the agenda of the meeting with the governor, Vetrivel said it would not be proper to reveal it to the media before the meeting
PM Congratulates Panneerselvam and Palaniswami
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted out congratulatory messages to O Panneerselvam on taking oath as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy CM. He also extended support to CM E Palaniswami and wished Tamil Nadu “heights of progress in years to come.”
OPS Sworn-in as Deputy CM
O Panneerselvam has taken oath as Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu. He will also head Finance, Housing, Urban Development and CMDA.
All AIADMK ministers, including Chief Minister Palaniswami and his deputy Panneerselvam, continued the tradition of keeping Jayalalithaa's photo in their shirt pockets during the swearing-in. However, the ceremony had none of the signature green, that was a fixture during all of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's swearing in ceremonies.
Read more stories on the AIADMK merger on The Quint.
EPS and OPS Pay Tribute at Amma Samadhi
World is Laughing at Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan
Mocking the AIADMK merger, which comes after a six-month-long tussle between the EPS and the OPS factions, veteran actor Kamal Haasan tweeted saying, “the world is laughing at Tamil Nadu”.
Watch The News Minute's Discussion on the AIADMK Merger
OPS to be Sworn-in at 4:30
The party members will head to Jayalalithaa’s memorial at Marina beach from the AIADMK headquarters before heading to the Raj Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony at 4:30 pm.
O Panneerselvam has been appointed as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He has also been handed the portfolio of Finance Ministry and Urban Development, Housing and CMDA in EPS’ cabinet.
Neither EPS nor OPS mentioned Sasikala and her family members in their announcement. Sasikala who has been convicted in a case of disproportionate assets continues to hold the post of the General Secretary of the party.
Rajya Sabha MP Vaithilingam said that all efforts will be made to remove Sasikala from the party post, adding that general council will be called soon.
OPS Announces Merger
Addressing the media, O Panneerselvam acknowledged the tussle between the two factions of AIADMK, going on to state that the two camps have now merged and will work towards fulfilling Amma’s dream together.
Tamil Nadu CM, E Palaniswami announced that OPS will be made the convenor of the AIADMK, while he will be taking up the role of the co-convenor.
KR Munuswamy and Vaithilingam will made deputy-co-convenors of the party, EPS said.
A 11-member committee has been made to run the party. After the merger, the top priority ofthe party is to retrieve the two-leaves symbol.
OPS Addresses Media at AIADMK Headquarters
OPS and EPS Betrayed Sasikala: TTV Camp
Hitting out at OPS and EPS, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi, a TTV Dhinakaran supporter said, “These two leaders were supporting Sasikala and gave affidavits in her favour. They wanted her to take over party and government. A few months ago, they had lined up outside Chinamma Sasikala’s house and asked her to become the CM. Why have they changed stance now? What has changed? Media should ask them.”
Saraswathi further added that the two factions had betrayed Sasikala. “Chinamma is not new to AIADMK. She was with our Amma for three decades and everyone in the party knows her. Party cadres will understand this betrayal.”
Nanjil Sampath, another AIADMK leader who has been a TTV Dhinakaran loyalist said, “Finance Minister D Jayakumar is calling us cheats. He should remember that when he had no position or portfolio, it was Sasikala who ensured that he became the minister for Fisheries. Who is a cheat now?”.
OPS Convoy Ready to Leave for AIADMK Headquarters
According to CNN News18, O Panneerselvam’s convoy will reach the AIADMK headquarters shortly.
Speaking to the media, MLA Semmalai said,
CM EPS Reaches AIADMK Headqaurters
Tamill Nadu CM E Palaniswami reached AIADMK headquarters after terminating his visit for a short while.
MLAs Manoj Pandian, JCD Prabhakaran, Maitreyan, Ponnaiyan reached the AIADMK headquarters.
EPS Postpones Visit to AIADMK Headquarters
Chief Minister E Palaniswami has decided to postpone his visit to the AIADMK headquarters, where a meeting regarding the merger was scheduled to be held at 12 pm.
OPS Not Go to AIADMK Headquarters Till EPS Announces Sasikala Ouster
OPS has said he will not go to the AIADMK headquarters, until the EPS camp makes a clear statement about Sasikala's ouster, The News Minute reported. The meeting between the two factions was scheduled to begin at noon, but the OPS camp wants it in writing that Sasikala will be sidelined by the EPS camp, reported CNN News18.
Party Workers and MLAs Reach AIADMK Headquarters
Party workers and MLAs from AIADMK reach party headquarters amid merger talks.
Seventeen MLAs Meet at TTV Dhinakaran's Residence
The News Minute reports that a meeting is underway at TTV Dhinakaran’s residence, involving 17 MLAs.
The MLAs are: Jayanthi Padmanabhan, Senthil Balaji, Thangatamil selvan, Palaniappan, Rangasamy, Subramanian, Kennedy Marriappan, SD K Jakaiyan, Sunderraj, Vetrivel, Dr Muthaiya, Kothandapani, Murugan, Balasubramaniam, Kathirkamu, Thangadurai, and Azhumalai.
Earlier, only 16 MLAs were at TTV’s residence, with Jayanthi Padmanabhan joined joining in later.
Amit Shah Cancels Tamil Nadu Visit
BJP National President Amit Shah has reportedly cancelled his visit to Tamil Nadu, scheduled for tomorrow. The trip has now been postponed, reported The News Minute.
OPS Likely to be Made Deputy CM: Sources
O Panneerselvam might be made the deputy Chief Minister, with his long-time portfolio of FInance Ministry handed over to him, reported CNN News18.
Sources also told the channel that the Education portfolio will be handed over to Mafoi K Pandiarajan. MP S Semmalai is also expected to bag the Health portfolio in the newly formed cabinet.
Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle Likely Today: Reports
Sources suggest that the state cabinet will likely be reshuffled today at 3 pm, reported CNN News18. This move will follow the supposed merger which has been on cards since Friday.
According to The News Minute, three new ministers from the OPS camp are likely to be sworn in.
CCTV Footage Shows Sasikala Walk Into Prison in Civilian Clothes
In a new revelation, CCTV camera footage accessed from the Bengaluru Jail, where former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s aide Sasikala Natarajan is currently housed, shows her walking into the prison in civilian clothes, flouting jail norms reserved for convicts.
Sasikala has been convicted in the disproportionate assets case and carries a sentence of four-years’ jail term. However, in the video, she could be seen walking into the jail from the gate with Illavarasi, her aide, both dressed in civilian clothes and carrying a bag each.
Watch the CCTV footage here.
As Merger Comes to a Head, Brewing Discontent in OPS Camp
On Friday, there were two meetings with OPS at the head, discussing the possible AIADMK merger. While the first one was a 5-hour long marathon meeting at OPS's Greenways residence, the second meeting saw only six leaders from the OPS camp and three others from the EPS camp at OPS's Venus Colony residence.
However, the first meeting saw a lot of disagreements within the OPS camp, suggesting brewing discontent within the faction. The News Minute spoke to three leaders who were part of this meeting, and according to them the leaders took turns to speak and put forward their thoughts on the terms of merger.
Things got heated up in the meeting when former minister Mafoi Pandiarajan made his speech. Mafoi spoke about how he had sacrificed his cabinet post to join OPS and that it was imperative for both sides to make concessions. This infuriated KP Munusamy, who said that there was no point talking about 'sacrifices'.
“OPS is definitely under pressure from several quarters. But we tried our best to impress on him that a compromise without certain conditions would be meaningless," a leader told TNM.
"Many leaders were agitated by then. We did not include Mafoi's name in the committee and that led to some more friction," another leader who was present at the meeting told TNM.
While all three leaders asserted that the merger will definitely happen, a clear resentment is visible in the OPS camp. "OPS and EPS should not prostrate before Delhi so much. Modi and Amit Shah won't get us votes, people will see through this," a third leader from the OPS camp told TNM.
AIADMK Merger Likely by Noon: Reports
With the OPS-EPS factions of AIADMK expected to combine today, the AIADMK merger is likely to be announced around noon, suggest media reports.
The merger is expected to take plade at the AIADMK headquarters, with both factions reaching there by 11.30, reported CNN News 18. Both sides will hold a meeting with their party workers, following which the two leaders will then present a joint statement.
Governor C Vidyasagar Rao Leaves Mumbai for Chennai
Governor of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra C Vidyasagar Rao has left Mumbai for Chennai, reported ANI.
He has further cancelled all his appointments in Mumbai for the day, according to his PRO.
Talks on Merger Moves a Step Forward: OPS
Rebel AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Sunday said talks on the merger of factions led by him and Chief Minister K Palaniswami have moved a step forward and a "good" decision would be reached shortly.
"I had informed that the merger talks are already progressing smoothly. It has progressed one more step...A good decision will be attained shortly as desired by you," he told reporters here after a meeting with his party functionaries.
On Saturday, Panneerselvam had said that talks on the merger of the factions were going on smoothly and a positive result was expected in a "day or two".
Palaniswami, too, had said he was confident that "both the factions would merge soon".
Panneerselvam May Head Merged AIADMK, Upper House May Be Revived: Source
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam will head a merged AIADMK while Chief Minister K. Palaniswami will continue to head the government, said a leader from the Panneerselvam faction.
The leader also said the government can look into the possibility of reviving the Legislative Council or Upper House of the assembly to accommodate members in the party without showing the door for those now holding posts.
"As regards party affairs, Panneerselvam will be the number one and Palaniswami number two. In the government, Panneerselvam in most probability will be the Deputy Chief Minister," the leader told IANS on the condition of anonymity.
"There will be couple of ministerial berths for legislators from our group," he added.
This is the contour of the merger plan the two factions in the AIADMK have agreed upon.
'No Differences Within the Faction'
O Panneerselvam, addressing the media on Saturday, said the talks on the AIADMK were underway. “In one or two days, a concrete decision will be known,” he said.
AIADMK Merger Put on Hold
The merger between the warring AIADMK camps led by O Panneerselvam and E Palaniswami has been put on hold. A member of the OPS faction said no announcement on the anticipated merger would be made on 18 August. It was not clear if any announcement would be made in the coming days.
Speculation about the merger began to make the rounds after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Palaniswami announced his decision to appoint a one-man committee to probe former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s death.
The meeting of the OPS camp lasted nearly four hours.
TTV Dinakaran, who was opposed to the merger, also held a meeting which was attended by only three MLAs. Speaking to reporters after meeting party chief VK Sasikala at Parapana Agrahara prison on her birthday, Dinakaran said the move of a possible merger was not a “setback” for him, claiming that it wouldn’t last long.
Party Members Seen Leaving from Amma's Memorial
Even as it was reported that the merger would be announced at Jayalalithaa’s memorial, some party members were seen leaving the site.
They did not speak to the media to indicate whether the merger would go through or fail.
Sasikala Loyalists Celebrate Her Birthday
AIADMK faction led by T T V Dinakaran celebrated the birthday of Sasikala.
Praising her for taking the burden (of the party) on her shoulders, he said her birthday was their 'utsav.' Extending his best wishes, he said, “Truth (dharma) will win soon, falsehoold (adharma) will be vanquished,” apparently hitting out at rebel leader Panneerselvam and the Chief Minister.
Former Ministers V Senthilbalaji and P Palaniappan were among several loyalists who wished Sasikala.
EPS-OPS Merger "Unnatural" Unlike Jaya's 1989 Merger: TTV
Downplaying the expected merger of the two AIADMK factions, Dinakaran said it would not last long.
Speaking to reporters in China after meeting party chief Sasikala at Parapana Agrahara prison on her birthday, he said the move was not a “setback” to him.
He said it was unlike the 1989 unification of the party led by Jaya, “which was natural.” The AIADMK had split following the demise of founder leader MG Ramachandran in 1987.
Dhinakaran alleged “they (Palaniswami and Panneerselvam) are doing it for their self-interest to protect their position... that will not have longevity".
He said the merger would not last long if it was done to "safeguard their posts, like a business agreement, leaving away cadres, out of selfishness".
Jayalalithaa's Memorial Decked Up, Merger Likely to Be Announced Shortly
AIADMK merger likely to be announced at Jayalalithaa’s memorial in Chennai around 7.30 pm. Panneerselvam is likely to be made the Deputy Chief Minister.
Only EC Can Remove Sasikala: M Thambidurai
Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and leader of the former group, M Thambidurai on Friday said that only the Election Commission of India (ECI) could cancel Sasikala’s appointment.
He also ruled out Palaniswami’s replacement, saying that he was appointed by Sasikala.
Only 3 MLAs Show Up for TTV's Meeting
Only three MLAs showed up for the meeting called by Dinakaran at the Woodlands Hotel in a show of solidarity, CNN News 18 reported.
Dinakaran had earlier boasted support of around 20 MLAs, enough to bring the government down.
EPS Orders Probe into Amma's Death
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami’s decision to set up a one-man committee to probe J Jayalalithaa’s death has rekindled the hope of a merger between the O Panneerselvam faction of the AIADMK and the Palaniswami’s faction.
Talks of the merger had been on hold since the OPS faction had demanded that the EPS faction completely distance themselves from Sasikala. Talks had also come to a standstill over who would become the Chief Minister. However, after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the OPS faction had demanded a compromise instead.
A leader of the OPS-led faction told The The News Minute:
OPS Calls a Meeting
News 18 reported that Panneerselvam called a meeting of elected representative and office-bearers of his faction on 18 August, possibly to discuss a merger.
However, Dinakaran, Sasikala’s nephew, recently claimed he had 20 MLAs on his side to bring down the government.
Meanwhile in Poes Garden...
Palaniswami’s announcement that former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's residence would be converted into a memorial has received mixed reactions from her family.
Jayalalithaa’s niece, D Jayakumar, expressed displeasure over the announcement on turning Poes Garden into a memorial for Amma.
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