All AIADMK groups will unite before LS polls: Udhayakumar

Udhayakumar said the fight within the AIADMK groups is similar to a family feud and it would be sorted out before the Lok Sabha elections. The Minister’s remarks at a public meeting at Alanganallur came even while the supporters of Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam are sulking over the sidelining of their leader. “Circumstances are ripe for a united AIADMK under a leadership wanted by the AIADMK cadre,” he said.  But, the Minister did not say anything about the possible change in the leadership of government in case of such a merger. One of Dinakaran’s supporters said, “A new party by Dinakaran will not close the door for a merger. In fact, a new party will bring his supporters together and most of the Ministers and MLAs can join the organisation before the Parliament elections, if the AIADMK leadership opposed it.” Panneerselvam supporters were however, tight lipped. One of the functionaries said they were waiting for the Deputy CM to take a clear decision after the High Court verdict on the disqualification of 12 legislators, including the leader.

When the Prime Minister unveiled the concession scooter scheme on February 24, the name and portrait of Panneerselvam was not found in the banner on the stage. The Deputy CM, who read out the names of all his supporters, skipped the names of Ministers while addressing the meeting. Moreover, the Deputy CM did not meet the Prime Minister at Raj Bhavan, while Electricity Minister P Thangamani had a discussion with him. Thangamani had not revealed the details of the discussions with the PM, but the meeting is being viewed with apprehensions by OPS supporters.