AIADMK merger: Palaniswami, Panneerselvam to seal the deal today, jailed Sasikala to be shown her place

The labour of months of discussions between the rival factions of Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK may produce the much awaited fruit in the form of the merger between Chief Minister E Palaniswami (EPS) and his predecessor O Panneerselvam (OPS) anytime on Monday.

Speculations are rife that Panneerselvam may be the next deputy chief minister and party coordinator while three of his supporters may bag ministerial berths as part of the arrangement. Sources further informed that an 11-member coordination committee and three seniors may be appointed as joint coordinators.

Tamil Nadu Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao, who is holding the additional charge of Governor Maharashtra, is expected to be present in Chennai in the afternoon, further stoking the chances of the much speculated merger and cabinet expansion. 

According to the sources in Palaniswami camp, all headquarters office bearers of the AIADMK-Amma have been asked to remain in the state capital in case of any new development.

The announcement is expected anytime in the first half of Monday informed the party sources who added that it is very much likely that a resolution to nullify Sasikala's appointment be passed which has been a key demand of the Panneerselvam faction. 

"The OPS camp is insisting that he be made the sole signatory for all party affairs. The other camp wanted both sides together to sign all documents. But there is no scope for it. That's why the insistence," said a senior leader on condition of anonymity. 

Also read: AIADMK merger confirmed, Panneerselvam hints at forthcoming ‘good news’

AIADMK merger talks going on smoothly, positive decision by Monday, says O Panneerselvam