E Palaniswami, O Panneerselvam merger talks hit last-minute hurdles, may collapse

OPS claimed that members of the ruling faction had not taken back the affidavits they submitted to the election commission where they chose her as the party’s general secretary. He contended that it was one of the most important preconditions and if they weren’t met, there was no point in holding merger talks. On Monday, OPS claimed that the ruling faction held a meeting of MLAs along with district secretaries, where they were made to sign affidavits in support of Sasikala. He claimed that EPS also signed on the same and questioned how he could trust them in such a scenario. OPS stated that the ruling faction was indulging in drama in the name of merger talks.

EPS, meanwhile, defended his faction’s stand that OPS had not put any preconditions at first but there are some people who are constantly creating hurdles. He claimed that the faction was open to hold talks for a merger. The EPS camp said that it was unfair to impose conditions before holding talks, especially at a time when there are ongoing cases related to the party symbol, Sasikala’s appointment and, one of his long-standing demands, a CBI probe into Jayalalithaa’s death.

OPS is adamant that his conditions are met. OPS has also announced a mass contact programme that would aim at creating support for the next local body elections and he aims to tour all 32 districts in the state. Meanwhile, EPS camp still enjoys the support of 123 elected MLAs, but defections are a cause of worry as withdrawal of support from six MLAs would bring down his government.