Palaniswami, OPS move closer to merger to checkmate Dhinakaran, Sasi family

Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and former chief minister O Panneerselvam are on the verge of merging the two AIADMK factions to take on T T V Dhinakaran, sources on both sides have confirmed. Here is the formula being worked out: EPS will continue as CM; OPS will be deputy CM and party general secretary. Two of OPS's lieutenants, Mafoi K Pandiarajan and Semmalai, may get cabinet berths. For this, EPS may drop two ministers from his present team.