Tamil Nadu: Senior minister, leaders expected to cross over to O Panneerselvam camp

CHENNAI: While a nasty showdown in the V K Sasikala family threatens the stability of the Edappadi K Palaniswami government, O Panneerselvam, leading the rival faction, summoned his key associates for a consultative meeting at his residence on Sunday evening in the wake of reports that the two sides are keen on a patch-up. Sources in the OPS camp suggest that there has been a "breakthrough" and possibly more rebellion in the TTV Dhinakaran camp.

After the meeting, Panneerselvam told TOI that they have planned a "grand celebration" for AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran's birth centenary in June. It will feature seminars, debates, poetry and cultural events.

He was, however, non-committal on any impending merger between the AIADMK factions. "There is no decision or approach planned. [We will do] Only whatever is public opinion, what is good," he told TOI.

Panneerselvam loyalists are hopeful of more cross-overs in the wake of the I-T raids and consequent squabbling and divisions in the Sasikala camp. The former chief minister is set to visit his home town in Theni district on Monday.

Veteran leader E Madhusudanan, former minister K Pandiarajan, MP V Maitreyan, former minister KP Munusamy, and former MLA JCD Prabhakar, and former assembly speaker P H Pandian are believed to have taken part in Sunday's meeting.

Sources said the meeting was to discuss strategy, ahead of a "big announcement expected on Wednesday". "A few senior ministers and other leaders from Sasikala group are likely to join the Panneerselvam faction in the coming days," the source, requesting anonymity, said. While the Panneerselvam faction is firm that Sasikala's family members should not be in the party, the source added that the meeting was to discuss "the plan of action in case those moving to our side lay down any conditions."

Asked to comment on whether they expected certain leaders to cross over and the mood in the OPS camp, Maitreyan said, "Why should we react? We are always upbeat. People will cross over if they want. We are not waiting. It is for them to decide."