AIADMK merger highlights: Sasikala faction makes dramatic come back, 18 MLAs may pull out from govt

Acc. to by law they don't have rights to do this, everything happening in party HQ is forgery: P.Vetriivel, TTV Dinakaran camp #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/JS1lKEYiSI

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Sasikala faction makes dramatic come back, likely to spell trouble for newly merged AIADMK

Eighteen MLAs supporting TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala faction have reignited the political debate in Tamil Nadu, just when the dust was starting to settle on the high-decibel AIADMK merger. 

The MLAs visited the Amma memorial, which has recently become the stage-setter for all political drama in the state, and sat in meditation. They also raised pro-Sasikala slogans, while announcing that they will meet the governor tomorrow at 10.00 am. 

Now 18 happens to be the exact number needed to topple the AIADMK government in the 235-member Assembly. All that the Dinakaran camp has to do is submit a no-confidence resolution to the governor. However, Dinakaran’s supporters have refrained from spelling out the agenda of the meeting. This could only be a warning call, a show of strength by the Mannargudi clan to remind Palaniswamy, what is at stake if he chooses to go ahead with Sasikala’s ouster.

TTV Dinakaran postpones media address to 23 August citing health reasons

To media friends...as I have sore throat and fever, doctor has advised me rest. Will meet you all on Aug 23rd.

— TTV Dhinakaran (@TTVDhinakaran) August 21, 2017

TTV Dinakaran supporters to meet Tamil Nadu governor tomorrow 

TN Governor has given us appointment at 10 am tomorrow. We'll discuss the issue with him: P Vetrivel (TTV Dinakaran supporter) #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/rEDY3qNCeW

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

MLAs backing Dinakaran visit Jayalalithaa’s memorial, raise pro-Sasikala slogans

Chennai: MLAs supporting TTV Dinakaran pay tributes to former CM Jayalalithaa at her Marina Beach memorial #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/NVmayq7o7t

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Merger of AIADMK factions won’t benefit people: Kanimozhi

The merger of two AIADMK factions would in no way be beneficial to the people of Tamil Nadu, DMK MP and the party’s women’s wing leader Kanimozhi said on Monday. Moreover, the people had not voted for these leaders and the continuation of the government itself was doubtful, she said.

CPM says BJP hand behind ‘opportunistic’ AIADMK merger

CPM politburo member Prakash Karat today termed the merger of AIADMK factions as opportunistic and alleged that the BJP was behind it. 

“The opportunistic decision by the two factions, at the behest of BJP. will be rejected by the people of Tamil Nadu,” he  told reporters at the airport in Chennai. 

The CPM leader said that joining hands with ‘communal forces’ like BJP will be dangerous to AIADMK and also the people of Tamil Nadu, “who will totally reject this opportunism.”

Merger brought tremendous joy to lakhs of party workers: OPS 

Merger brought tremendous joy to lakhs of party followers. I share the same joy: OPS after taking charge as Dy CM & Minister #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/HTqKkcSFjN

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Revolts, split and union, a timeline of developments in party since Jayalalithaa’s death

Since the demise of former AIADMK supremo and chief minister J Jayalalithaa in December last year, Tamil Nadu’s political scenario has witnessed unprecedented drama. Following is the chronology of major events in the southern state’s ruling party. The state has seen it all — revolt, conviction in a graft case of Jayalalithaa’s aide and her successor to the party post VK Sasikala, split in the party, cancellation of bypoll to RK Nagar seat held by the late CM, sidelining of party deputy chief TTV Dinakaran and the eventual merger on Monday.

Post AIADMK merger, is there an NDA reunion on the cards?

The AIADMK, which has been a part of the National Democratic Alliance in the past too, is likely to join the NDA soon. CNN-News 18 sources report that the party is likely to get two Minister of State cabinet berths in the Central government if it goes ahead to join the BJP-led alliance.

Chennai: O Panneerselvam takes charge as deputy chief minister of Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/a69NubelRK

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Modi congratulates OPS, EPS on AIADMK merger

I congratulate Thiru O Panneerselvam & others who took oath today. I hope Tamil Nadu scales newer heights of progress in the years to come.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2017

Centre assures all possible support to CM Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami & Dy CM Thiru O Panneerselvam for the growth of TN. @OfficeOfOPS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 21, 2017

AIADMK merger a ploy to fool people of Tamil Nadu: Sasikala camp

It's an act of making fool of people&party cadre.Been saying that this govt is most corrupt: V Pugalendi, TTV Dinakaran & Sasikala faction pic.twitter.com/BBT68mN4aE

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Golden period for AIADMK: D Raja

Golden day in the history of AIADMK. All cadres and leaders are happy. No disappointment for me: D Jayakumar #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/IrtouPjJaL

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

AIADMK to meet to sack Sasikala as party chief

The AIADMK General Council will be convened to expel Sasikala as General Secretary, a senior leader owing allegiance to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said on Monday.

Former minister and party veteran C Ponnaiyan also expressed confidence that the AIADMK government would run its full course of five years and no MLA would take part in any attempt at toppling it.

“There was no provision for Sasikala’s appointment as General Secretary because election to that post can be done only by the primary members of the party. The General Council, which appointed her, will be convened to remove her from the post,” he told reporters.

He said under the AIADMK constitution whenever there is a vacancy to the post of General Secretary, the duties and responsibilities of General Secretary will be performed by an Executive Council.

Demands for Sasikala’s ouster grow strong moments after AIADMK reunion

General body meeting must be immediately convened and the secretary must be removed: KP Munusamy #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/Fo31saj4EJ

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

K Pandiarajan also sworn in as minister in Tamil Nadu Cabinet

What will the new Tamil Nadu cabinet look like?

Deputy Chief Minister ​Panneerselvam has been allocated the finance portfolio which was previously held by D Jayakumar. According to  The Times of India , the former chief minister will also take charge of Housing, Rural Housing and Housing Development, Slum Clearance Board and Accommodation Control, Town Planning, Urban Development and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority ministries that were held by Udumalai K Radhakrishnan. 

Panneerselvam’s key aide, Pandiarajan will get the Tamil Official Language & Tamil Culture ministry that was previously held by Sevvoor S Ramachandran. He will take charge of the Ministry of Archaeology from K A Sengottaiyan.

Chennai: O. Panneerselvam swears-in as Deputy CM at Raj bhawan pic.twitter.com/GxuFpw0Pcc

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

O Panneerselvam takes oath as Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister

Watch: EPS, OPS pay tribute at Jaya memorial 

#WATCH CM E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam paid tributes to former CM Jayalalithaa at her Marina Beach memorial #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/ktP79pBoNg

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

OPS reaches Raj Bhawan for his swearing-in ceremony

Tamil Nadu cabinet expansion likely after OPS swearing-in 

The AIADMK-led cabinet in Tamil Nadu is likely to be expanded after O Panneerselvam is sworn in as the Deputy CM of the state this evening. Media reports suggest that three Panneerselvam supporters will also get ministerial berths in the cabinet expansion as part of the merger formula.

We are like brothers and no one can seperate us: OPS after AIADMK merger

“The burden in my heart is gone,” Panneerselvam said adding “none can separate us, we are children of Amma (late chief minister Jayalalithaa), we are brothers.”

He said the merger was not only the desire of Tamil Nadu people, but also of the of 1.5 crore AIADMK cadres.

Chief minister K. Palaniswamy praised Panneerselvam for facilitating the merger, amidst thunderous applause and jubilant scenes at a crowded cermony.

TTV Dinakaran to address the press shortly

We are happy with the merger but billion dollar question is why are they avoiding us?: CR Saraswathi, TTV Dinakaran-VK Sasikala faction pic.twitter.com/wa1cFita5c

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Panneerselvam has been sold a lemon: BJP’s Subramanian Swamy

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, known to be friends with Jayalalithaa says that OPS has nothing to gain from the merger formula. He said that the dual power centre arrangement in the party and the government is a mere patchwork and he will not be surprised if another conflict flares up in the party.

It will be decided after party's general body meeting: O. Panneerselvam on question of VK Sasikala's expulsion from party post #AIADMKMerger

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Amma's blessings & wishes of party cadres made it possible. Thank CM E.Palaniswami & leaders of his faction: O. Panneerselvam #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/xk021DfuKc

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

‘Sasikala will be expelled soon’

Sasikala will be removed from the post of AIADMK General Secretary soon, AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Vaithilingam told The Indian Express. However, no official word has come out on the matter so far.

Sore Sasikala camp hits out at EPS, OPS, says Sasikala can’t be ousted

“We want everybody to be together, we don’t know why they are avoiding us. It was honourable Chinnamma who made Palaniswamy chief minister now they are avoiding us. The cadres are with us and just like OPS, they will soon come to us too for a merger and compromise,” CR Saraswathy, a TTV Dinakaran supporter said.

AIADMK leaders head to Raj Bhawan for swearing in

As OPS, EPS join hands at Amma memorial, AIADMK political drama comes full circle

Chennai: CM E.Palaniswami arrives at Jayalalithaa's memorial at Marina Beach to pay tributes post #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/93CR28Xfhn

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Unique solution to AIADMK conflict: Precarious power balance in party, govt

Eager to strike a merger deal. the two factions have, for now struck a unique deal. The two party stalwarts, each keen to inherit Jayalalithaa’s legacy at one time, have worked out a formula to play second fiddle to each other alternatively in the party and the government.

E Palaniswamy has relented control over AIADMK and appointed O Panneerselvam to be party coordinator, a post freshly created to accommodate OPS. Palaniswamy, will work as the joint coordinator and an 11-member steering committee will be formed to guide the party. In the government though, EPS will continue to hold the chief minister’s post and OPS will be the deputy chief minister. 

The dual power centre, both within the party and the governmnet, has created a tenuous arrangement for now, but the political stability of the reunited factions will remain questionable after seven month of bitter animosity.

O Panneerselvam to get Finance portfolio; two OPS loyalist to find place in the new Tamil Nadu cabinet

O Panneerselvam to take oath as deputy CM, Finance minister, swearing-in at 4.30 pm

AIADMK reunion and the eerie silence around Sasikala’s fate

O Panneerselvam’s stature is slightly diminished within the party as the former chief minister returns to AIADMK folds as Palaniswamy’s deputy. He is also the AIADMK convener, a post especially created to accommodate him within the party while circumventing the formal chief position of General Secretary currently occupied by Sasikala.

And this was arguably a necessary compromise for the OPS faction given the stakes involved. However, the eerie silence over Sasikala’s ouster, one of the most rigid demands put forward by OPS camp, is unsettling. 

If the two factions have agreed upon circumventing the major demand, even if by leaving the final decision on Sasikala, then OPS has gained little from the reunion. As of now, Sasikala remains to be the General Secretary of the AIADMK, even if in name.

OPS, EPS join hands to revive two leaves symbol, say a united AIADMK will last over 100 years

Amma (Jayalalithaa) has said before that after me AIADMK will last over 100 years. We all will make sure it happens: E Palaniswami

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

It is offiicial!

#FLASH AIADMK factions helmed by E.Palaniswami and O.Panneerselvam announce merger. pic.twitter.com/tEWWnQ4iI5

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

E Palaniswamy should fall at TTV Dinakaran’s feet or we will pull down the govt: Sasikala supporter

The Hindu reported that TTV supporter Nanjil Sampath has said that EPS will have to fall on Dinakaran’s feet if he wants us to stop from pulling down his government

I am happy to be back in your midst: O Panneerselvam at AIADMK merger meet

OPS reaches AIADMK headquarters

Chennai: O Panneerselvam and Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami have reached AIADMK party head office #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/An5Eu5r7rS

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Meanwhile… around 12 AIADMK MLAs in huddle with TTV Dinakaran

In Pictures: EPS convoy reaches AIADMK headquarters

Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami arrives at AIADMK party head office #AIADMKMerger ( Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/75FlZodddd

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Is reunited AIADMK, headed the NDA way?

Talks of an invisible hand pulling the strings of the tamil nadu political drama, eversince O Pannerselvam’s open rebellion from AIADMK, has been around. BJP’s extraordinary interest in the situation had given political pundits only a fair chance to propose that the saffron party may be fishing in troubled waters in Tamil Nadu politics.

Now, the fact that an RSS ideologue is reportedly facilitating the merger talks and that both EPS and OPS had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the merger talks began suggests that post the high drama AIADMK merger, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the party formally annonces joining hands with the NDA.

Kamal Hassan slams AIADMK merger, says whole country laughing on Tamil Nadu because of these ‘political jokers’

காந்திக்குல்லா!காவிக்குல்லா!கஷ்மீர்குல்லா!! தற்போது கோமாளிக்குல்லா, தமிழன் தலையில் . போதுமா இன்னும் வேண்டுமா? தயவாய் வெகுள்வாய் தமிழா.

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 21, 2017

With AIADMK merger, realignment on cards, enter O Panneerselvam

​

O Panneerselvam will be formally invited by chief minister E Palaniswamy to join his cabinet as the deputy chief minister. However, the former CM and Jayalalithaa loyalist will re-enter the Tamil Nadu government in a slightly diminished role, as part of the compromise. 

In return, sources say, that OPS has managed to convince the EPS faction to boot out Sasikala and has negotiated several Cabinet berths for OPS supporters too.

EPS reaches AIADMK headquarter

Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami arrives at AIADMK party head office #AIADMKMerger

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Expect good news soon: OPS faction

S Semallai of the OPS faction claimed that the two factions have reached upon an agreement on the ouster of Sasikala, adding that all demands of O Panneerselvam are met. 

All demands have been met,we are happy with everything.Heading to party office, expect good news: S Semallai, #AIADMK leader (OPS faction)

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

Celebrations around AIADMK headquarters in Chennai

AIADMK cadre is all set to kickstart the celebrations as soon as the good news" is out. Crackers are being burst outside the party headquarters and sweets are being distributred.

OPS uses trending hashtag #AIADMKMerger

O Panneerselvam has tweeted that he has left for the party headquarters and he used the trending twitter hashtag #AIADMKMerger. This is being interpreted as the first official signal that the merger announcements now are only a matter of time. 

Started to #AIADMK HQ. #AIADMKMerger

— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) August 21, 2017

‘RSS mediating merger talks’

An RSS ideologue is  mediating between the two camps and has asked them to announce the merger today.

Sasikala’s ouster likely to be put on the backburner

​

News 18 sources suggested that the OPS faction may have agreed to soften their stance on the Mannargudi clan’s ouster from the party. The latest reports suggest that Panneerselvam has agreed to leave the question of Sasikala’s ouster to the Election Commission for now.

Are merger talks back on track?

Reports suggest that O Panneerselvam is headed towards the party headquarters and E Palaniswamy is also likely to leave from his residence shortly. The recent developments suggest that the two leaders may have, at long last, reached a compromise.

Meanwhile… EPS faction ministers reach out to OPS camp

Ministers P Thangamani, SP Velumani and Natham R Viswanathan from the EPS faction arrive at O Panneerselvam’s residence.

BREAKING: Two ministers, Mr. Velumani and Mr. Thangamani, and MP Mr. Vaithilingam arrive at the residence of @OfficeOfOPS

— The Hindu - Chennai (@THChennai) August 21, 2017

Merger talks called off: Palaniswamy cancels AIADMK office visit

Last miniute drama unfolded in Chennai after OPS demanded a written resolution promising expulsion of AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala. Chief minister E Palaniswamy, reportedly, cancelled his scheduled visit to AIADMK headquarter postponing merger talks. 

Reports said that there will be no merger announcement on Monday and the talks have been put on hold again.

JUST IN -- Security arrangements for Chief Minister at AIADMK office temporarily cancelled. #AIADMKMerger pic.twitter.com/UHXzAx4yF9

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 21, 2017

Blow to Dinakaran after 7 MLAs jump ship

India Today reported that at least 7 MLAs have ditched Dinakaran and now the leader is left with 13 legislators. Dinakaran had 20 MLAs till today morning, reports had said.

JUST IN: Tamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao arrives in Chennai

EPS in two minds about Sasikala expulsion

Unsure about how the AIADMK MLAs and district secretaries, many of who owe their political career to Sasikala and Mannargudi clan, will react, Palaniswamy is in two minds about Sasikala’s expulsion. Add to that the presence of 17 MLAs at Dinakaran home which means the Palaniswamy govt could be in a minority.

This wasn’t the first Tamil Nadu visit of Amit Shah to be postponed

Amit Shah was slated to attend a series of events in Chennai and Coimbatore during his August 22-24 state tour. Among other engagements, he was scheduled to meet a host of personalities, have lunch at a party worker’s residence here and address the state party unit functionaries.

Shah was earlier scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu in May but the trip was postponed. With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP chief is travelling across the country to strategise and find ways to strengthen the party at the grass-root level.

While BJP has one Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, it has no representation in the 234-member state Assembly, dominated by the AIADMK. PTI SA APR GSN

Amit Shah couldn’t make it to Tamil Nadu due to NDA’s CM meeting in Delhi

BJP president Amit Shah’s three-day visit to Tamil Nadu, scheduled to start from Tuesday has been postponed again, the party’s state unit said on Monday. Shah had to postpone his visit following a meeting of NDA chief ministers in Delhi on Monday and his subsequent required presence in various other important meetings, BJP State unit president Tamilisai Sounderrajan said.

As a result, Shah’s visit to Tamil Nadu as part of the 95-day nation wide tour has been “postponed”, she said in a statement. The new schedule for his visit would be announced later, she added.

Sasikala was “shopping” in Bengaluru wearing a burqa, alleges KPCC

Meanwhile, KPCC labour department secretary to Karnataka chief minister alleged that Sasikala was in Bengaluru’s MG road. He said that the jailed leader was in a burqa.

Letter written by kpcc labour deptt secretary to #Karnataka CM alleges #Sasikala was shopping on MG road in #Bengaluru clad in a burqa ! pic.twitter.com/CoarE3jBW9

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) August 21, 2017

OPS demands resolution on expulsion of Sasikala before he agrees to the merger

OPS throws a spanner in the works. The former chief minister demands resolution on expulsion of Sasikala before he agrees to the merger. The 12 noon appearance at AIADMK headquarters has got delayed due to the same. Many cadre have moved out of the party office.

Women gather outside OPS’ residence 

According to latest reports, women have been queuing up outside OPS’ home with turmeric water to welcome him back into AIADMK .

OPS camp wants documents that say Sasikala is sidelined 

According to latest reports, merger talks meet between the two rival factions of the AIADMK has been delayed over VK Sasikala and her role in the party. OPS camp wants documents that says VK Sasikala has been sidelined. EPS camp is yet to respond.

Prior to the merger announcement, the Palaniswamy faction was expected to pass a resolution against AIADMK General Secretary V.K. Sasikala. As per AIADMK party byelaws, the General Secretary cannot be removed by a resolution passed by a committee or group of office bearers.

After merger, OPS-EPS might get back AIADMK’s ’two-leaves’ symbol

Following merger of the two factions, the Panneerselvam-Palaniswamy faction may get back the party’s popular “two leaves” symbol which has been frozen by the Election Commission.

“As regards party affairs, Panneerselvam will be the number one and Palaniswamy number two. In the government, Panneerselvam in most probability will be the Deputy Chief Minister,” the leader told IANS on the condition of anonymity.

“There will be couple of ministerial berths for legislators from our group,” he added. This is the contour of the merger plan the two factions in the AIADMK have agreed upon.

Sasikala’s removal from party was one of the top demands by Panneerselvam for merger

Sasikala and her family members’ dismissal from AIADMK was one of the basic condition laid down by the Panneerselvam camp for merger.

The Palaniswamy faction had declared the appointment of TTV Dinakaran, Sasikala’s nephew, as Deputy General Secretary as “improper, unacceptable and invalid”. This was challenged by Dinakaran.

Governor to reach at 12.30 pm, for a likely swearing-in

In what seems to be a well-coordinated effort, Governor Vidyasagar Rao will land in Chennai around 12.30 pm. TTV Dinakaran is also holding a meeting with his supporters and he will try to ensure that he keeps his flock of 20 MLAs with him, which would effectively reduce the government to a minority.

Merger announcement anytime now

The EPS-OPS merger announcement is likely by noon at the AIADMK party headquarters in Chennai, where security has been tightened. Sometime before that or around the same time, EPS is likely to announce that the General Council would expel interim genera secretary VK Sasikala though the final word on this front has not been said yet. 

After the announcement, EPS and OPS will go together to the Jayalalithaa memorial.

Panneerselvam to be deputy CM, with PWD and finance under his wings

OPS will be made the deputy CM with portfolios of PWD and possibly finance as well. He will be named the party affairs coordinator, effectively making him party chief. A 11-member leadership committee likely to be announced, which will include the likes of KP Munusamy, Vaithialingam etc.

Along with OPS, K Pandiarajan and Semmalai will take oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony which could take place around 4 pm today. The OPS camp is pushing for one more cabinet berth.

JUST IN: Amid AIADMK Merger speculations, party MLAs and workers have reached party headquarter in Chennai

Tamil Nadu: Amid #AIADMKMerger speculations, party MLAs and workers reach party headquarter in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/6Bo7tXdLXE

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2017

‘Make Jayalalithaa permanent general secretary of AIADMK’

According to AIADMK insiders, one of the moves that is being contemplated is to abolish the post of General Secretary on the pretext that late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa will be the party’s permanent General Secretary. This would be done by amending the party by-laws.

But the main question is can the by-law be amended to take away the only power that a primary member enjoys? As per AIADMK constitution, the party General Secretary is elected directly by the primary members. The party has around 1.5 crore members.

“It is a legal question that has to be deliberated in detail,” C Ponnaian, former Finance Minister and part of Panneerselvam faction told IANS on Sunday.

AIADMK bylaws won’t make it easy to remove party general secretary Sasikala 

Prior to merger announcement, the Palaniswamy faction was expected to pass a resolution against AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala. As per AIADMK party byelaws, the General Secretary cannot be removed by a resolution passed by a committee or group of office bearers.

According to insiders, in order to overcome this hurdle and also to carry out the party affairs, a steering or advisory committee would be formed with representation from the two merging factions. The decisions of the advisory committee has to be ratified at the general council meeting, said an AIADMK leader.

Dinakaran claims support of 20 MLAs 

Dinakaran has claimed to have support of 20 MLAs in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly. According to reports, Panneerselvam will be appointed as the guiding working president of AIADMK and both the factions have agreed to limit Sasikala’s role in the AIADMK.Dinakaran has claimed to have support of 20 MLAs in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly.

According to reports, Panneerselvam will be appointed as the guiding working president of AIADMK and both the factions have agreed to limit Sasikala’s role in the AIADMK.

Amit Shah cancels his Chennai visit

BJP president Amit Shah has cancelled his Chennai visit. He was to visit Tamil Nadu from 22-24 August. According to India Today, Panneerselvam is likely to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at 4 pm today. He will also get PWD.

Other members of OPS camp – Ma Foi, Semmalai – will also be inducted in the cabinet.

Semmalai might get health portfolio

S Semmalai is likely to get health in his portfolio after the cabinet reshuffle, reports have said. Ma Foi K Pandiarajan is also likely to get inducted into the cabinet today. News18 reported that the leader is set to get Housing and Urban Development in his portfolio.

Meanwhile, Tiruvallur MP Ponnusamy Venugopal will be the face of the Union cabinet.

Meanwhile, quoting sources, News18 reported that O Panneerselvam might visit J Jayalalithaa’s memorial after the meeting with the rival EPS camp.

Dinakaran goes into huddle with loyalists

TTV Dinakaran and his loyalists have gone into a huddle, at his home, News18 reported ahead of the merger meet between both factions of the AIADMK. There have been several false alarms in this AIADMK merger saga. The Amma Memorial had been decked up on Friday night, fuelling rumours that OPS and EPS would finally join hands at the Marina Beach samadhi of Jayalalithaa. But no such thing happened.

Cabinet reshuffle likely at 3 pm today

Cabinet reshuffle of the Tamil Nadu assmebly is likely at 3 pm, News18 reported.

O Panneerselvam is likely to be made deputy Chief Minister and might get Finance and PWD. As reported earlier, E Palaniswamy is set to continue as Chief Minister.

Vidyasagar Rao in Chennai for “official work”

Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao, who is also the Governor of Maharashtra, left Mumbai for Chennai this morning for “official work”. The development fuels the speculation that the Tamil Nadu cabinet is likely to see some reshuffle today.

AIADMK merger likely today

Decks are cleared for the merger of two factions in AIADMK — one led by Chief Minister E Palaniswamy and the other led by former chief minister O Panneerselvam — on Monday, party officials told IANS on Monday.