The two factions of the AIADMK lead by Edappadi Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam have finally merged, isolating VK Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran.

Even as the merger was delayed by a few hours, and both camps went back and forth, TTV Dhinakaran ran a parallel meeting  at his Adyar residence in Chennai. Seventeen MLAs took part in TTV’s meeting, making his faction a formidable one.

Hitting out at OPS and EPS, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi, a TTV Dhinakaran supporter said, “These two leaders were supporting Sasikala and gave affidavits in her fvour. They wanted her to take over party and government. A few months ago, they had lined up outside Chinamma Sasikala’s house and asked her to become the CM. Why have they changed stance now? What has changed? Media should ask them.”

Saraswathi further added that the two factions had betrayed Sasikala. “Chinamma is not new to AIADMK. She was with our Amma for three decades and everyone in the party knows her. Party cadres will understand this betrayal.”

Nanjil Sampath, another AIADMK leader who has been a TTV Dhinakaran loyalist said, “Finance Minister D Jayakumar is calling us cheats. He should remember that when he had no position or portfolio, it was Sasikala who ensured that he became the minister for Fisheries. Who is a cheat now?”.