In his first reaction since the AIADMK merger between the OPS and EPS factions, ‘ousted’ Deputy General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Saturday called the present turmoil a “war between sacrifice and betrayal”.

Dhinakaran, who now claims the support of at least 21 MLAs out of which 19 are presently lodged in a hotel in Puducherry stated that no one can threaten him except God.  “Money is not a big thing, they can't buy MLAs with money. Those 19 MLAs are not afraid of anyone, they want to teach a lesson to the betrayers who want to evict the General Secretary from the party. They are behind me and the real AIADMK cadres are behind me.”

With Governor Vidyasagar Rao expected to return to Chennai on Saturday evening, amidst demands from the Opposition DMK and Congress for a floor test in the Assembly, Dhinakaran said he hoped the Governor would consider the demands put forth by the 19 MLAs. The 19 MLAs, who had pledged support to TTV Dhinakaran, had met the Governor on Tuesday, and handed over individual letters stating they lacked confidence in Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and withdrew their earlier support to him.

On Monday, after months of speculation the warring factions of the AIADMK – one led by CM Edappadi Palaniswami and the other by former CM turned rebel O Panneerselvam announced a merger. Following the merger meeting, Rajya Sabha MP R Vathilingam had announced that General Secretary VK Sasikala would be expelled from the party when the General Council convenes.

The announcement to expel Sasikala triggered the next political tug of war within the ruling party, with the Dhinakaran camp herding 19 MLAs to Puducherry. With TTV’s strength now growing to 21 MLAs, he could possibly pull down the Tamil Nadu government if a floor test is called in the Assembly.    

Meanwhile, the ruling EPS camp is planning to meet with senior party leaders at the AIADMK Headquarters in Chennai on Monday, where a date for the General Council meeting may be decided.