Rival AIADMK factions should merge: M Thambidurai
NEW DELHI: Mooting a patch-up with the rival AIADMK group led by O Panneerselvam, senior party leader M Thambidurai today said it will be in the party's interest if both factions merge to take forward the legacy of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha.
Ruling out any change of Chief Minister in the state for this possible patch up, Thambidurai said people from the opposing faction may be included in the organisation.
"I have initiated talks with the Panneerselvam camp. We all want to continue the legacy of late Amma and at the same time want to save the party's symbol of two leaves. So in this largest interest, I think both factions should come together," he said here, adding this is what party workers also want.
Earlier in the day, the ruling (Amma) faction announced constitution of a team to hold talks with rival Panneerselvam camp for a possible patch-up.
Senior leader in the V K Sasikala faction and Cooperation Minister Sellur K Raju said Chief Minister K Palaniswami has constituted a team of "senior ministers" for the purpose.
Since there was a "split between siblings," it would not be fair on the part of either side to put terms and conditions for the merger talks, Raju said.
Meanwhile, the Panneerselvam camp took to Twitter to express its willingness to hold talks with the AIADMK (Amma) faction.
"The AIADMK (Amma) faction has constituted a team to hold talks. We are ready to hold consultations with that team if it meets us," said the Twitter handle @OfficeofOPS.
Last month, the Election Commission had frozen the 'two leaves' symbol of the AIADMK as part of its interim order.
Both AIADMK factions led by Panneerselvam and Sasikala respectively were asked to come up with new party names as well as party symbols.
Ruling out any change of Chief Minister in the state for this possible patch up, Thambidurai said people from the opposing faction may be included in the organisation.
"I have initiated talks with the Panneerselvam camp. We all want to continue the legacy of late Amma and at the same time want to save the party's symbol of two leaves. So in this largest interest, I think both factions should come together," he said here, adding this is what party workers also want.
Earlier in the day, the ruling (Amma) faction announced constitution of a team to hold talks with rival Panneerselvam camp for a possible patch-up.
Senior leader in the V K Sasikala faction and Cooperation Minister Sellur K Raju said Chief Minister K Palaniswami has constituted a team of "senior ministers" for the purpose.
Since there was a "split between siblings," it would not be fair on the part of either side to put terms and conditions for the merger talks, Raju said.
Meanwhile, the Panneerselvam camp took to Twitter to express its willingness to hold talks with the AIADMK (Amma) faction.
"The AIADMK (Amma) faction has constituted a team to hold talks. We are ready to hold consultations with that team if it meets us," said the Twitter handle @OfficeofOPS.
Last month, the Election Commission had frozen the 'two leaves' symbol of the AIADMK as part of its interim order.
Both AIADMK factions led by Panneerselvam and Sasikala respectively were asked to come up with new party names as well as party symbols.
