Tamil Nadu: AIADMK rift to be out in open again

CHENNAI: The intense factional feud in the AIADMK will be on display once again when the warring groups observe the sixth death anniversary of J Jayalalithaa on December 5.
O Panneerselvam has planned to take out a rally from Chepauk guest house to the Jayalalithaa memorial and administer a pledge to his supporters, while AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran will take out a rally from Anna Statue and V K Sasikala will pay respects separately. Police are yet to grant permission for the rallies.
The belligerent EPS, who is not ready to give any room for reconciliation, is all set to lead his group and administer pledge for the first time. It comes on the eve of the Supreme Court hearing of OPS's petition challenging the Madras HC order in favour of EPS leadership. "The AIADMK has rallied behind EPS and the party is steered by his strong leadership. There is no split as only some individuals were expelled. The traitors who have made a pact with the DMK to destroy the party have no place in the party," former minister D Jayakumar said. The EPS group has sought police protection for the event since attacks on the vehicles of senior leaders and complaints from AIADMK and AMMK functionaries to police marred the anniversary last year. The leaders have been told to participate in the rally sporting black shirts to observe the death anniversary on the Marina on Monday.
Plagued by struggles and little support, Panneerselvam held a meeting with the newly appointed office-bearers of Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts on Friday to organise the event. A tiny group that is against the bossiness of EPS frequent OPS's residence. The supporters believe OPS's survival hinges on the BJP leadership and that the latter will do everything possible to unify the factions soon after the Gujarat elections. The central investigative agencies tightening grip over certain individuals are keenly watched. Freezing 'two leaves' will harm the national party as well, AIADMK leaders feel. "The sheer display of arrogance by EPS will annihilate AIADMK. Most of the supporters and the newly appointed functionaries are aiming for a rapprochement between the warring factions," a key member of the OPS group said.
Dhinakaran, who enjoys more clout than OPS in the southern districts, is not too keen to join hands with AIADMK under EPS leadership, especially after EPS's jibes against TTV. "Two leaves and party name remain in Trishanku swargam. Even if the court's verdict comes in their (EPS) favour, they cannot do anything as they have weakened the party," Dhinakaran told reporters recently.