Despite merger, groups function in isolation

While both the factions decided on a merger to keep the party together, they continue to function separately, said sources. 

On Sunday, OPS, his supporter Minister Ma Foi Pandiarajan and EPS faction minister D Jayakumar went to Tiruchy in the same flight to attend MGR Centenary Celebrations in Namakkal. 

While OPS and Pandiarajan came through the VIP lounge, Jayakumar carefully left them and came out through the general exit point. When OPS came out of the airport, he was received only by his supporters like former ministers M Paranjothi and TP Poonachi, MP Maruthairaj and their supporters. While it is a protocol to receive the Deputy Chief Minister and Coordinator of the party OPS by local ministers, both Vellamandi N Natarajan and S Valarmathu did not turn up to receive.  

Similarly, no MP MLA was there to welcome OPS. “It is visible that the leaders of both the factions have been functioning separately and this will never help in developing the party,” said a cadre who was present at the Tiruchy Airport. He also said that this attitude would help TTV Dinakaran, who wants to play a spoilsport.