In a latest development in Tamil Nadu politics, chief minister, Edappadi K Palanisamy and O Panneerselvam on Monday has sealed the deal for the merger of the two groups of AIADMK. In the new cabinet, Panneerselvam will be given the portfolio of finance ministry along with the position of deputy chief minister. He will be sworn in today evening.
Post declaring the merger, Palanisamy said, an 11-member coordination committee will run the party. While Panneerselvam will be the convener of AIADMK, Palanisamy will be the co-convener and KP Munusamy will be the deputy co-convener.
“Our first priority will be to retrieve the two leaves symbol. We will fulfill all the promises made by Amma,” said Palanisamy. “Amma (Jayalalithaa) has said before that after me AIADMK will last over 100 years. We all will make sure it happens,” he said. “We all are children of one mother, and Amma (Jayalalithaa) is that one mother,” he added.
Just after the merger, Panneerselvam said, “Amma’s blessings and wishes of party cadres made it possible.” He also thanked Palanisamy.
“Had few difficulties in recent times, similar to what happened after MGR’s demise, but both OPS & EPS came forward to unite party,” said Munusamy.
Notably, there was no mention of imprisoned AIADMK general secretary, VK Sasikala in the press meet.
Coincidently, the amalgamation comes after the recent meeting of both Palansamy and Panneerselvam with PM Modi. Both EPS and OPS had met Modi separately in Delhi.
