Merger talks between the AIADMK's two factions led by Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami and former chief minister O Paneerselvam are going on smoothly. A good decision on the merger will be taken in one or two days, Paneerselvam told newspersons at his Greenways Road house.

On the reasons for the delay in announcing the merger, Paneerselvam said talks are still going on. He did not elaborate.

On reports of internal squabbles within his camp, he said it is not true and there was no misunderstanding in the AIADMK.

The merger would happen with the support of AIADMK supporters, he said.

The possibility of a merger between the two factions gained momentum on Thursday after Palaniswami announced an inquiry commission into the death of Jayalalithaa and also conversion of her Veda Nilayam house in Poes Garden as a memorial.

Following this, members of the OPS camp held a brainstorming session at his Greenways Road house for nearly seven hours last evening. There was also a rumour that Paneerselvam and Palaniswami may jointly visit Jayalalithaa's samadhi on the Marina and announce the merger there. In fact, the samadhi was decorated in anticipation of their visit.

However, this did not happen with both factions not giving any reasons.

Party sources said the merger could be announced on Monday, being the auspicious day of Amavasya.

comment COMMENT NOW