Chennai: A protracted feud in Tamil Nadu’s ruling AIADMK ended on Monday as O Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy announced the much-awaited merger of their respective factions at party headquarters. Sources said as per the conditions of this merger, VK Sasikala may be expelled from the party.

The former CM Paneerselvam will now be the Coordinator of the new merged AIADMK, while Palaniswami will be the Joint Coordinator. A team of 11 members will run party and oversee its functioning.

"This was the dream of MGR that we stay united. Other parties when they split, never come back but it is the power of the AIADMK that we came back. Today is a historic day. There were people day-dreaming that the party will fall, let me assure you that it will never happen. We will now work towards the betterment of our people. We will strive to work for the betterment of Tamil Nadu and the people of the state," said E Palaniswami, after announcing the merger of both AIADMK factions.

"I welcome all party cadres. I thank everyone who stood by me for last six months. We are now going to Amma's samadhi to seek her blessing. I am happy to be back in your midst," says O Panneerselvam.

However, there has been no announcement made about the expulsion of VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran.