We want united party, say AIADMK factions

Over 20 cabinet ministers went into a huddle at the residence of minister P Thangamani late on Monday and discussed for over an hour after which minister Jayakumar said, “We are for a united AIADMK and we welcome the initiative by O Panneerselvam,” he said. When asked about rumours regarding the resignation of VK Sasikala, parties General Secretary, Jayakumar said that they had not discussed that topic.

Earlier in the evening, Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai, who visited the secretariat both in the morning and afternoon to interact with Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and senior ministers, told newsmen that there was no split in the party and that they were all united. “There is only some difference of opinion between leaders and it is common in a democracy,” he said.  

Asked about AIADMK(PTA) leader O Panneerselvam expressing his willingness to merge, he said, “It is a good sign if Panneerselvam is willing to merge.” His second visit came soon after deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran left for Bengaluru.