Several senior Tamil Nadu ministers went into a huddle on Monday night in Chennai amid reports about coming together of rival AIADMK factions led by TTV Dinakaran and O Panneerselvam. The development came on a day when the Delhi Police booked AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dinakaran (also spelled as Dhinakaran) for allegedly trying to bribe an Election Commission official in a failed bid to obtain the coveted “two-leaves” party symbol for his faction. Emerging from the more than an hour-and-half-long meeting at the residence of Electricity Minister K Thangamani late tonight, Finance Minister D Jayakumar said modalities were being worked out to pave the way for the merger of the two factions. Earlier on Monday, Panneerselvam, a former Chief Minister of the state, had expressed confidence that the Dinakaran faction leaders would approach him for merger talks. “If approached, we are ready to sit and talk and I have confidence that they (leaders) will come (for talks),” he told reporters at the airport here. “Given the opinion (voiced by OPS), modalities to strengthen the party and to run it with unity were discussed,” Jayakumar told reporters, briefing them about the meeting which was attended by most of the ministers of E K Palaniswami government. Earlier in the day, speculations swirled about a possible pact between Palaniswami and Panneerselvam under which both VK Sasikala, the jailed AIADMK general secretary, and Dinakaran, her nephew and deputy, would be ousted. [caption id=“attachment_3389786” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran.[/caption] Unconfirmed reports had it that under the arrangement Palaniswami would continue as Chief Minister while Panneerselvam would occupy the coveted post of AIADMK general secretary, which was held by J Jayalalithaa till her death last December. However, Panneerselvam had earlier in the day told journalists nobody had approached him with such a proposal so far. Asked about speculation in political circles that Sasikala, who is serving a prison term in connection with a disproportionate assets case in which Jayalalithaa was also an accused, was preparing to quit as general secretary, Jayakumar said, “There is no such thing.” Law Minister C V Shanmugam termed it as “a lie”. Shanmugam said since Dinakaran was in Bengaluru for a meeting with Sasikala, the merger issue will be discussed on his return here. On Panneerselvam’s stand that Sasikala’s family should not be a part of the party, Jayakumar evaded a direct answer and said, “The decision of the last party cadre is the decision of the party and all of us.” He said, “We will get the two-leaves symbol for sure as it is the desire of all the party workers.” The election symbol is seen as part of Jayalalithaa’s enduring legacy. The Election Commission had frozen the two-leaves symbol after both Panneerselvam and Sasikala-Dinakaran factions staked claim to it ahead of the now countermanded April 12 byelection to RK Nagar assembly constituency. Jayakumar also said the submission of affidavits of district-level party workers to the Election Commission in the symbol dispute was discussed at the meeting. On the possibility of meeting Panneerselvam to take forward the merger proposal, he said “For everything there is a time.” When a reporter pointed out that Panneerselvam had been demanding a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa, and if it was to be made a condition for merger, he shot back, asking “Did he (Panneerselvam) spell out this as a condition?” Another senior Minister and a heavy weight of the party in the western region, S P Velumani said “For sure we will be united, and retrieve the two-leaves symbol.” “Those who exited (Panneerselvam and his followers) are also part of our family. It is like a fight between two brothers. Together we will get back the two-leaves symbol,” he said. There was reportedly unease in Tamil Nadu’s ruling party ever since Income Tax officials raided Health Minister Vijayabaskar’s premises and seized evidence of bribing voters for the bypoll to R K Nagar assembly seat. The poll, scheduled for April 12, was countermanded by the Election Commission on April 9 amid allegations of rampant inducement and bribing of voters. Dinakaran was the candidate of AIADMK (Amma) faction for the seat. He was earlier in the day booked by the Delhi police after it arrested an alleged middleman who, according to police, was purportedly helping the AIADMK leader reach out to an unidentified official in the Election Commission in return for an astounding Rs 50 crore. No arrest warrant has been issued against Dinakaran. But police have in their custody Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the alleged middleman who was picked from a 5-star hotel in New Delhi yesterday, a senior police official said. Sasikala had reinducted Dinakaran, who was expelled from the AIADMK by Jayalalithaa, and appointed him the party’s deputy general secretary just before proceeding to Bengaluru to serve the remnant of her jail term after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction and sentence in February this year.
AIADMK merger highlights: TTV Dinakaran and family to be kept away from party, govt, says TN minister D Jayakumar
Senior Tamil Nadu Ministers tonight went into a huddle amid reports about coming together of rival AIADMK factions led by TTV Dinakaran and O Panneerselvam.
 "AIADMK merger highlights: TTV Dinakaran and family to be kept away from party, govt, says TN minister D Jayakumar")
Panneerselvam camp calls the shots on merger
KP Muniswamy from the Panneerselvam camp says they never asked for the post of the CM of the party general secretary. “We never went into this assuming we were heading for elections. But if there are elections, Panneerselvam will definitely win.”
“We are demanding the resignations of TTV Dinakaran and Sasikala. If these conditions are met, we will immediately start talks,” says Muniswamy.
News-18
This is a news alert. More details to follow. #JustIn #NDTVNews pic.twitter.com/FtlRv28srw
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 20, 2017
AIADMK leaders meet TN Governor
Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai called on Tamil Nadu Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao in Chennai on Thursday.
Thambidurai later told reporters that it was a courtesy call as he has known Rao for a long time. He said he did not discuss the political situation in the state with Rao.
Tamil Nadu Finance and Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar also met Rao. Jayakumar said: “The meeting was in connection with the selection of Vice Chancellor of a university.”
The meetings come amid efforts within the divided ruling AIADMK to merge.
IANS
What toned down TTV Dinakaran?
The past few days have been all about set-backs for TTV Dinakaran, who until recently enjoyed a powerful status in the ruling party in Tamil Nadu.
The leader, whose extended family is notoriously called the Mannargudi mafia and is arguably the most influential clan in the southern Indian state, has been having a tough time staying afloat amid legal troubles and a rebelling party.
First, the poll panel repealed the RK Nagar assembly polls as he drew flak for allegedly trying to bribe the voters. Next came the EC bribery case, which essentially triggered a domino effect. An influential faction, led by the chief minister, within his party rebelled against him. And on top of that, an ED court has framed charges against him in a financial irregularity case against him, lodged some 20 years ago.
An alienated, cowed down Dinakaran, however said that he had distanced himself from the party for the betterment of the organization, while he vowed to fight all charges against him legally. He also expressed some doubts about the circumstances under which his party members had rebelled against him.
M Thambidurai calls on TN governor amid hectic political governments
Senior AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai today met Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. However, AIADMK sources remained tight light over the agenda behind the meeting.
However, according to CNN-News 18, Thambidurai has termed it a courtesy call, adding “No politics to be read into this. I have already said the CM will continue. He is an elected man.”
Dinakaran asked to appear before Delhi Police on Saturday
AIADMK deputy chief Dinakaran has been asked to appear before the Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Saturday in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for retrieving the party’s ’two leaves’ symbol. The Delhi Police had last night served summons to him in the case.
PTI
Take a look at AIADMK Twitter timeline
Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswamy removes red beacon from car
But here’s a question: Will he be as willing to relinquish the power it represents for the sake of AIADMK merger?
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami removed red beacon from his car. pic.twitter.com/N9xgG3XsBU
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2017
As OPS, EPS, Dinakaran camps decide on merger plans, this is how media keeps itself busy
Thursday is a rather slow day as far as developments from Tamil Nadu capital was concerned. All the three camps — O Panneerselvam, E Palaniswamy, TTV Dinakaran — remained mum on the future of AIADMK merger.
However, this one man, clearly an MGR fan, kept the media occupied outside OPS’ residence in Chennai.
A not a very good #MGR lookalike dances outside #OPS residence. Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment !! pic.twitter.com/IkDAcHu3Jl
— Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 20, 2017
RECAP: No opposition for me in AIADMK, says Dinakaran
Beleaguered leader TTV Dinakaran on Wednesday said none in the party were against him, asserting that all party MLAs stood behind him.
“There is no opposition to me in the party,” he said, breaking his silence since influential section of Ministers revolted against him last night and decided to keep General Secretary V K Sasikala and him out of the party. According to ‘Jaya Plus’ Tamil TV channel, Dinakaran said a “good decision” will be taken in the interest of the party.
Party sources indicated that he was expected to appear at the Economic Offences court here later in the day on a case against him for alleged violation of FERA regulations.
Dinakaran questions Delhi Police’s lookout notice
TTV Dinakaran questioned the need for the lookout notice issued by the Delhi Police in a bribery case, saying as his passport “is in court” for 20 years how could he flee the country. “My passport is in court for 20 years. How can I escape from India,” he told reporters.
He was apparently referring to the pending FERA cases against him in a court here in connection with which he has surrendered his passport.
AIADMK leader, Thambidurai meets Tamil Nadu governor
Political commentator TS Sudhir has told Firstpost that a meeting is underway between senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai and theTamil Nadu governor C Vidyasagar Rao. Thambidurai had sided with the Sasikala camp at the time of the rift between the two factions and has been batting for E Palaniswamy to continue as the state’s chief minister despite the merger talks.
More details on this to follow shortly.
TTV Dinakaran skips court appearance in FERA case, given 24 April deadline
Dinakaran, who was scheduled appear for the hearing of a financial irregularities case in court today, did not turn up for the hearing. The court has given a 24th April deadline to Sasikala’s nephew, according to India Today TV.
Meanwhile outside Panneerselvam’s residence…
A man has set up shop outside #OPS residence selling this #AIADMK memorabilia pic.twitter.com/Wyz6WdMwl8
— Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 20, 2017
Mannargudi Mafia is down but not out in Tamil Nadu
Mannargudi is a small town in Tiruvarur district in the Cauvery delta where Sasikala hails from.
The ‘Mannargudi mafia’ is alleged to have spread out across the government machinery into important positions taking advantage of Sasikala’s proximity to Jayalalithaa. While Panneerselvam’s deft political maneouvre may have trumped Sasikala in power circles, she very much retains control, if only by proxy, on her family’s powerful nexus.
Does merger of AIADMK spells end of rode for Sasikala?
“With Sasikala finding it tough to operate her faction from prison, notwithstanding her nephew Dinakaran, her supremacy is slipping away quickly. What will hasten this slide, perhaps irreversibly, will be Dinakaran’s actual arrest by the Delhi Police. In that event, the Sasikala camp will have an additional headache: Of extracting Dinakaran from this mess – or sacrificing him – and managing the fracas within the party.
How the entire saga will actually unfold remains to be seen, but Panneerselvam has clearly achieved the upper hand in light of his other demand, which is far more intrepid: He wants to replace Palaniswamy as the chief minister, while demoting him to deputy chief minister.”
**(Read the full article here)**With Mannargudi clan out of their way, OPS camp puts forth fresh demands for AIADMK merger
If everyone thought the expulsion of the Sasikala-Dinakaran duo would pave the way for an easy merger, it won’t come as a surprise if talks between the two factions get stuck on who gets what.
According to Times Now, the OPS camp has put forth three new points as to negotiate for power in the AIADMK post the merger.
- Chief ministerial post for OPS
- AIADMK general secretary to be from the OPS camp
- Major OPS loyalists to be accommodated in the Cabinet
Is BJP influencing AIADMK to get rid of Sasikala, Dinakaran?
While it appeared that Palaniswami had blinked first, there was more than what met the eye. By sidelining the aunt and the nephew, the EPS group was washing away the Chinnamma taint that they had acquired by staying on for one week at the Golden Bay Resort in February, backing Sasikala.
The suspicion is that by sacking the duo, Palaniswami is trying to endear himself to the powers-that-be in Delhi. It is not just the Dinakaran camp that has accused the BJP of playing a part in the internal affairs of the AIADMK. Many observers also feel that the invisible pressure from the Centre is what is moving many pieces on the political chessboard in Chennai. It is logical for EPS campers to believe that in the post-Sasikala era, they can be on the right side of the BJP, replacing Panneerselvam.
Party worker attempts self-immolation protesting police action against Dinakaran
A party worker tried to allegedly set himself ablaze to show his opposition to the police. The self-immolation bid was thwarted by other cadres and some plainclothesmen.
Delhi Police serves summons to Dinakaran
Delhi Police officials at midnight on Wednesday served summons to TTV Dinakaran in a case of alleged bribery to EC officials for retrieving the party’s two leaves symbol.
Dinakaran had, soon after the arrest of Sukesh Chandrasekhar asserted that he will face the matter legally. He had denied any knowledge of Chandrasekhar.
Amid trouble over EC bribery case, ED tightens noose on Dinakaran in another FERA violations case
An economic offences court on Sunday framed charges against AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran in a FERA violation case as the Madras High Court on Wednesday refused to quash it along with another similar case.
With the framing of charges by the court, Dinakaran now stands formally indicted in the Dipper investment case in which he has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate of transferring $ One crore illegally. A court frames charges against an accused after it finds sufficient prima facie evidence against him to put him on formal trial in the case.
The economic offences court is likely to frame charges against him in the second FERA case pertaining to Barclay’s Bank, where Dhinakaran has been charged with transferring 37 lakh Pounds illegally.
Rebellion against me out of fear: Dinakaran
Seeking to avoid any confrontation, Dinakaran said he had “stepped aside” last night itself “in the interest of the party”. He said that he had no issues with the rival camps merging together.
He, however, claimed the rebellion against him was out of “fear”. “They (ministers) might have done this (revolt) due to some fear. Maybe there was some dissatisfaction against me. But I don’t know,” he told reporters.
He was apparently referring to the possible angst in the party following income tax raids at Health Minister C Vijayabaskar’s premises ahead of the assembly bypoll to the RK Nagar seat which was countermanded following allegations of bribing and inducement of voters. Dinakaran was the party’s nominee for the election.
PTI
Sasikala, Dinakaran ouster first victory: Panneerselvam
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday said the ouster of the rival AIADMK faction’s two leaders was his faction’s first victory in the “dharma yudh”. He was referring to the ruling AIADMK faction’s decision to sideline now jailed general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew and deputy general secretary TTV Dinakaran.
Extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my party office-bearers&cadres who've extended their full fledged support to me till now:TTV Dinakaran pic.twitter.com/pCOSeKpMBM
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017
Dinakaran will consult Sasikala before quitting party post
On quitting the AIADMK party post, TTV Dinakaran said he was appointed by the general secretary (Sasikala), and he has to consult her before taking the final decision. He also indicated Sasikala was not apprised of the developments. “How can someone inside the jail be informed,” he asked.
Dinakaran also said he had no problems with a possible merger of the factions now headed by Chief Minister K Palaniswamy and his predecessor O Panneerselvam.
When asked if he was being “targeted” by way of Income Tax raids on Health Minister C Vijayabaskar and countermanding of the 12 April RK Nagar bypoll, he said “may be.”
“They can maximum put me behind bars. If that is my destiny, I will face it and come out,” he added.
PTI
MLAs meet not a show of strength: Dinakaran
Deputy general secretary of AIADMK TTV Dinakaran struck a conciliatory note, saying he had no problem with the merger of rival party factions and felt that the rebellion against him was due to some “fear”.
He also said he has “stepped aside” last night itself in the interest of the party and made it clear that the MLAs meet called by him was not a show of strength.
“They might have done this (revolt) due to some fear. May be there was some dissatisfaction against me. But I don’t know,” he told reporters.
VK Sasikala’s nephew added that the MLAs’ meeting called by him later today should not be seen as a show of strength. “All MLAs have been asked to come. It is not a show of strength,” he said.
PTI
EPS wants to continue as chief minister
Firstpost has learnt that E Palaniswamy wants to continue as chief minister and is ready to give the post of AIADMK general secretary to O Panneerselvam. Negotiations are currently on.
Stalin says he met Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker and demanded an immediate session
“Today, Tamil Nadu farmers are suffering. They are protesting in Delhi, so we want to convene an assembly session to discuss the issue,” ANI quoted him as saying.
We met TN Speaker and demanded an immediate assembly session, waited to meet CM but he did not meet us: MK Stalin pic.twitter.com/8oxI1VTUog
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017
Meeting in AIADMK office called by Dinakaran cancelled
The 3 pm meeting called by Dinakaran has been cancelled.
Both factions will talk to fulfil the aspirations of lakhs of party workers: O Panneerselvam pic.twitter.com/RFB8EYgeQi
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017
Dinakaran says he will never be the reason for a split in AIADMK
“I will never be the reason for a split in the party,” said Dinakaran, as the war of words between the AIADMK factions continued.
“This is our party. Maybe some people have some fears or issues. I wish they came and spoke to me,” he said. “I will speak to them and allay their fears,” he added.
“I’m dedicated to the party and will express this to those who want to send me out,” he also said.
Sasikala had taken over after Amma’s death: Panneerselvam
“(Panneerselvam’s) meeting (with MLAs) was not show of strength,” O Panneerselvam said as he addressed reporters.
“We will act according to the people’s wishes,” he said. “Sasikala’s family had taken over after Amma’s death.”
“The removal of Sasikala’s family is our victory in this dharma yuddhan. The reason for our struggle is going well,” Panneerselvam further said.
I stepped aside in the interest of the party: Dinakaran
“I have stepped aside in the interest of party so question of resigning doesn’t arise,” PTI quoted Dinakaran as saying.
“The revolt against me could have been due to some fears,” he further said. “We will have to consult Sasikala on resigning as she appointed me as Deputy General Secretary.”
I have no regrets because I don't have any expectations: TTV Dinakaran pic.twitter.com/R5oGmqGYkc
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2017
Dinakaran loyalist leader directly blames BJP
“We will stick by TTV Dinakaran. We will explain our position as far as numbers go by 3 pm today,” said AIADMK leader Nanjil Sampath. “BJP is behind this conspiracy,” said Sampath, who is known to be a Dinakaran loyalist.
It is significant that BJP is being blamed by AIADMK directly.
Delhi Police issues lookout notice against Dinakaran
Delhi Police has issued a lookout notice against AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, accused of bribing an EC official to get the coveted ’two-leaves’ symbol for his faction.
The action comes in the wake of inputs that Dhinakaran was an NRI and could try to flee, police said.
Praveer Ranjan, Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) confirmed that the lookout notice has been issued and said that it was a preventive action.
Immigration officials have been alerted, police said. — PTI
OPS camp in a huddle
The OPS camp has gone into a huddle, according to TS Sudhir. The faction feels that there is more to this issue than what meets the eye.
A senior #OPS leader who said not to b quoted suspects #TTV hand in Jayakumar announcing their expulsion. Trust deficit btwn EPS & OPS camps
— Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) April 19, 2017
Dinakaran’s MLA numbers dwindling, 3 pm meeting comes under jeopardy
TTV Dinakaran puts up a brave front by saying all his MLAs are with him but it is clear his numbers are dwindling. Only 8 MLAs are on his side. And even the 3 pm AIADMK MLA meeting he has convened could be in jeopardy as finance minister D Jayakumar has said only party secretary E Palaniswamy can convene such a meeting.
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