Deadlock continues over AIADMK merger talks

The stalemate continued over merger talks of the two factions of ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam with the group led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami stating that the time was "ripe" for parleys even as the rebel camp remained firm on its demands.

AIADMK-Amma led by Palaniswami accused the O Panneerselvam faction of "refusing" to come for talks.

On the other hand, the AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction maintained that discussions "will happen" only after its demands, including a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's death, were met.

Apparently peeved at the 'delay' in commencement of talks, state Finance Minister D Jayakumar told reporters that the time was "ripe for talks."

"But they (Panneerselvam camp) are refusing to come to the table," he said, adding that the discussions will be "transparent".

Sticking to their stand for commencement of merger talks, Panneerselvam aide and Rajya Sabha member V Maithreyan reiterated the Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction's demand for the state government recommending a CBI probe into Jayalalithaa's death, besides removal of party chief V K Sasikala and members of her family from the party.

"Only if these demands are met, the talks will happen. We are clear on that," he said.

The two groups have been expressing their willingness to sit across the table and discuss the proposed merger since they set up their respective seven-member committees for the purpose last week. However, the talks have not commenced so far.

The Palaniswami camp had revolted against the party leadership on April 18 and resolved to keep Sasikala and her family, including her nephew and deputy T T V Dinakaran, away from the AIADMK.

Dinakaran, AIADMK-Amma Deputy General Secretary, was later arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe an unidentified Election Commission official to secure the two leaves symbol of the undivided party (prior to the R K Nagar assembly byelection.)

The April 12 byelection was subsequently countermanded over use of money to lure voters.

Hopes of an early start of talks had received a boost on Wednesday when the banners of Sasikala at the AIADMK office in Chennai were pulled down, a move welcomed by the Panneerselvam group.